Page 68 of Moonlight & Mayhem

“I know.” He rubbed his thumb across her knuckles. “You scared?” he asked.

“Yes.” The answer surprised him because Moon usually denied being afraid.

Mayhem squeezed her hand. “Me too.”

Her winter-colored eyes lifted. “You’re afraid?”

“Don't sound so shocked,” he said.

“You don't act afraid—ever,” she said.

“That's because I'm exceptionally masculine.” Moon stared at him, and Mayhem grinned.

She shook her head. “You're ridiculous.”

“Got you to smile, though,” he said.

Her smile disappeared. “Mayhem.”

“Yeah?” he asked.

“If this gets worse on the road⁠—”

“No,” he breathed.

“You don't know what I'm going to say,” she insisted.

“You're going to tell me we turn around and come back to the clinic,” he said.

“Yes,” she said.

“No,” he countered.

Her eyes flashed. “You don't get to⁠—”

“If you go to Black Hollow, then I go too,” he said.

“You could die,” she insisted.

“So could you,” he said.

“That's different,” she breathed.

“How is it different?” he asked.

“Because I'm—” Moon stopped. Mayhem waited her out, and she frowned. “Because you're sick.”

“Nice save,” he mumbled.

“Mayhem.” He pulled her between his knees and Moon stiffened, but Mayhem didn't let go. “You read the message.”

“Yes, I did,” he agreed. “Your mother told you to trust the black wolf.”

“She might not have meant you,” Moon said.

Mayhem stared at her, and Moon lasted three seconds before she caved. “Fine. She probably meant you.”

“Damn right,” he growled.