Page 77 of Colton’s Mate

She’d thanked Colt, but maybe that wasn’t the same.

So she pictured him in her mind—how beautiful and magnificent he was, how brave, how badass, how much he’d helped her. She tried to project respect through their bond, out to wherever he was.

Then she asked him if he would come and talk to her.

And then she waited.

As she did, she tried to crystallize the thoughts she’d been having. Remy said that owls needed a mission—something to give them purpose.

Something they were better at than everyone else.

That meant Callie had to do the thing that was hardest for her—she had to tell the owl what she needed, and ask if he would give it to her.

Just when she thought he wasn’t coming, the owl floated silently down into the forest clearing where she sat.

He’d brought a dead rabbit, and he was tearing into it, pulling out its bloody innards.

That didn’t seem like a good start.

Thank you for coming, she said politely.

You interrupted my lunch.

Then I appreciate it even more.

The owl gazed at her, his amber eyes unblinking, intestines dangling from his beak. What do you want, little fur creature?

This was it. Now that I’m bonded with Colt, I wanted to ask for your help.

He swallowed whatever squirmy organ he was eating. Why should I help you?

Good question. Time for the flattery. Because you’re the only one who can. I have a mission, and trust me, there’s nobody else in the world who can pull this off. That part was true, and he seemed to sense it.

You intrigue me, Fuzzy Ears.

Clearly the respect did not go both ways.

She took a deep mental breath. This was really hard for her, telling people what she needed. Because they’d never actually given it to her before.

But New Callie was badass. She was not afraid.

Okay. Here it is. Colt’s a twin, and he’s used to being kind of, um. Joined at the hip with his brother. I’m a lynx. And I love Colt, and all his animals—

The owl snorted. She didn’t even know owls could to that. You do not love me.

I do, Callie said, and realized it was true. He was a part of Colt, and she loved all of Colt with her whole heart. You helped me and protected me, more than once. You helped save my life. I never really thanked you for that. So, thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

It’s about time.

She added, I also think you’re beautiful and soft and I could just hug you to pieces.

I will tear your innards out.

Cool. Okay. Mission. Callie said, I love Colt, and all his animals, including you, but I also need other things. She tried to put it in a way he’d understand. I need a nest of my own. Alone time. Things of my own, that are just mine. Can you help Colt figure that out? And remember it? Otherwise he’ll be glued to my side and eventually I’ll have to kill him, and that will make him unhappy.

The owl tore at his rabbit, looking contemplative. Finally he said, I will try. But no promises. Fur creatures are remarkably stupid, and because he is in love with you, he wants to be with you all the time.

Lynxes didn’t smile, but Callie twitched her nose at him, which was the same. If anybody can do it, you can.