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He gestures toward the clear side yard between the cottage and the shed. “Perhaps it’s best if we move over here, out of sight of the windows.”

Frowning, I glance at the house. There’s no sign of Scarlett in any of the windows.

Why would we need to be out of view?

Still, I follow him.

When we reach the yard, Hunter faces me. “I’m ready,” he states, his body visibly tensing.

“Ready?”

“I touched your mate. I shouldn’t have…” He pauses. “Just try not to harm my hands and arms. I need them to work.”

I shake my head with a sigh, realizing he expects me to treat him as a rival for my mate’s affections. “I don’t want to hit you, woodsman.”

His eyes narrow. “Is it too much trouble to call me by my name?” he asks.

I glare back at him. “I suppose not, Hunter.”

“You’ve known me since childhood, Conall. Why are you acting as if you barely do?”

“Because people change. Especially humans who move away from the pack.”

“This is because I moved away from the pack?” he asks.

I shrug. “Why did you?”

His eyes grow distant as if he’s no longer seeing me. “I knew I would never find my other half there. I know some wolves mate with humans, but it didn’t feel right.”

I nodded. “That’s why I left as well.”

After a moment of silence, he focuses on me again. “Do you truly not mind that I touched your mate?”

I let myself think about it. Remember it. My wolf is calm and even the human part of me feels no anger. “No, I don’t. She is… more accepting of me when you are with us. And, for some strange reason, she seems to enjoy your company. The wolf and I want her to be happy, and you make her happy.”

“Are you suggesting I join the two of you in your… relationship?” he asks, his brow furrowed.

I hate this. Not the idea of sharing Scarlett, but how everything must be discussed and decided. Humans are so unlike wolves. We follow our instincts and let our bodies and hearts guide the way. This is why I live alone, godsdammit.

“If you wish and Scarlett wants you, you would be welcome.”

He gapes at me, blinking.

Did I break him? Why is his mouth hanging open like that?

“What? Why do you look like a fish out of water?” I ask.

“I fully expected you to try and tear me limb from limb, especially after what happened in the woods earlier. Not invite me as your third.” His answer is blunt.

“I thought I would feel that way, but seeing you with her didn’t affect me the way I expected…” I pause. “My wolf has already accepted you as pack. I have no idea when, but that’s what you are.”

He studies me. “I’ve wanted her a long time, Conall. Since the first moment I saw her. But she doesn’t want a husband. Having a mate would be even more unbearable for her. I’m not sure she’ll have either of us.”

His words would have dejected me yesterday, but after speaking with Vera, I’m not as worried. “Vera gave me some advice earlier. About how to win over her stubborn granddaughter. Between the two of us, I think we can convince her.”

“Vera shared Little Red’s secrets with you?” he asks, a grin tugging at his mouth.

I nod.