I nod my head. “Yeah, that sounds good. I have some errands to run after class.”

He kisses my lips briefly before pulling back to grab his keys. “Let’s go, Little One, or we won’t be leaving the house.”

A few minutes before we reach school, I ask, “Masen, are there any other things I should know about Marking and Mating? Like the whole emotions thing?”

He hums. “We should probably go over just about everything there is to know. I’m not sure what you know, or what you don’t. I can’t think of anything specific right now that you should know, but we’ll talk tonight. We can decide when you’d like to do the Mating ceremony.” He pulls in the lot right in front of the English building. “Cass or Sam will bring you your keys.” He curls his finger motioning for me to come closer. I lean over the center console, thinking he wants a kiss, but instead, he hauls me on his lap, my back to the steering wheel. His nose pushes aside my sweater, revealing his Mark on my shoulder. He kisses and nuzzles his spot, his hands grip my hips pulling me forward enough that I feel him growing hard beneath me. Knowing I’m the one causing his arousal is a powerful feeling. When he finally lifts his head, his eyes meet mine, and I’m struck with emotion. I don’t think it’s just mine.

I suck in a breath. “Masen?” His mesmerizing eyes close, I breathe out the air I was holding. Trying to sort through what just happened, I realize I felt his need for me, but what overwhelmed me was his fear, fear of losing me, fear that I would disappear when I’m not with him. Cupping his jaw, I say firmly, “Masen, I’m here. I’m not leaving. I want you to share those feelings with me. I just got overwhelmed. I’m scared, too.” I kiss his lips and whisper the last parts in his ear, “I’m so scared I’m not enough, could never be enough. Scared you could walk away from me. But, that’s just our past making us feel that. I want to be here, with you. So don’t hide that from me, okay? I love you, Masen.” His arms wrap around my back, and we comfort each other.

“I love you, too, baby. I would never, could never walk away, again,” he promises. “Now get on to class before I murder these fuckers who see you on my lap and think about you on theirs,” he growls.

“Huh, you are the one who put me here, Mr. Growly Pants.” I kiss him quickly and open his door to scoot out.

He hands over my book bag and purse. “I’ll see you in a bit. Little One. Be good.” He smirks.

I’m a little nervous going into English. The last time I was here Masen walked out on Professor Daniels, but he doesn’t say a word about it the entire class. Things seem to be settling down, no whispers or stares following me through campus.