Not fear.
Not doubt.
Something steadier.
Stronger.
“Rob is my fated mate,” I say, the words landing heavy and real.
No hesitation.
No apology.
Just truth.
And yeah—that’s a little terrifying.
Because fated mates means forever.
Means risk.
Means everything I’ve been trying not to fall into.
But it also means—he chose me.
Or something bigger than both of us did.
And even more—I chose him back.
Even if I was too scared to say it out loud.
Until now.
“I’m going to claim him,” I add, my voice quieter but no less certain.
Jessica lets out a low whistle.
Kylie smiles softly.
“And if he says no?” she asks gently.
I huff out a breath.
Because that’s the part that still scares me.
The part that still whispers what if you’re wrong?
But I lift my chin, anyway.
“He won’t,” I say.
Because last night?
The way he looked at me?
The way he touched me like I mattered?
That wasn’t nothing.
