Zarek set his knife down. “The quad’s safety always comes first.”
“This isn’t about safety, and you know it.” I leaned forward. “This is about you not wanting to believe she’s my mate because it changes things.”
“It changes nothing.”
“It changes everything, and that scares you.”
His jaw tightened. “I’m not afraid of change.”
“No, you’re afraid of not controlling it.” I pushed away from the counter. “She deserves a chance, Zarek.”
“Trust is earned.”
“So is respect.” I headed for the door, pausing with my hand on the knob. “I really hope your mate is the most insufferable, stubborn woman on the planet. Someone who challenges every rule you’ve ever made.”
I left before he could respond, letting the door slam behind me.
Outside, the fresh air did little to cool my temper. The worst part was knowing Zarek wasn’t entirely wrong—we needed to be careful. But his approach had only pushed Liz further away when I needed her to stay.
I felt the pull toward her, the invisible thread of our bond stretching between us.
If she left Wings End, I’d lose her. The thought made my chest tight with panic. I had to give her space while showing her I was the man for her.
The choice was ultimately hers. And right now, I wasn’t sure she’d choose me.
I tried to head home. I really did.
My feet didn’t cooperate. They carried me away from Zarek’s cabin, past the turnoff that would take me to my place, and straight toward where I’d left my truck at the front office. Before I could second-guess myself, I was behind the wheel with the engine running.
The bond pulled at my chest like a fishhook lodged somewhere near my heart. My dragon prowled beneath my skin. I could feel Liz’s presence the way I felt the shift of seasons or the approach of a storm.
Ten minutes later, I pulled into Split Pine’s parking lot.
I sat in the truck for a moment, gripping the steering wheel and trying to talk myself out of whatever I was about to do.
The words were all lined up in my head as I climbed out of the truck.
I walked inside and spotted her immediately. I took a step in her direction before common sense caught up with my instincts.
Liz moved through the dining area, carefully carrying a tray. She wore jeans and a Split Pine T-shirt, and the tight set of her shoulders told me everything I needed to know.
She was still on edge. Pushing her now would only make things worse.
The realization hit me like a bucket of cold water. I’d already overwhelmed her multiple times. The last thing she needed was me cornering her at her new job, demanding she listen to explanations she hadn’t asked for.
To a human, this probably looked like stalking. But it’s not like I was a frequent patron of Split Pine.
So instead of turning around and going back out the door, I redirected toward the bar, sliding onto a stool near the end where I could still see most of the dining room.
Beck appeared within seconds, one eyebrow raised. He grabbed a pint glass. “Your usual?”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak yet.
He pulled the tap, watching me in a way that made me want to make up an excuse to leave. “She’s doing great, by the way. Fast learner. Good with the customers.”
“That’s good.” My voice came out rougher than intended, and I cleared my throat. “I’m not here for her, though.”
“Sure.” Beck set the beer in front of me before shaking his head and moving down the bar to help another customer.
