Then, when that Neanderthal Abram tried to keep her from me?

I’m not sure there’s ever been a moment when I was angrier. Somehow, I kept from lunging forward and ripping his arms off.

But just barely.

Does Zoey know how close I came to doing something she’d never forgive me for?

A better man than me would take my overreaction as proof that I should leave her alone. Find someone of my own kind to be with.

But no matter how nice I am, how willing I am to help my neighbor, when it comes to Zoey, I’m selfish. I want her. I want all of her, and I’ll do a lot more than snap my fangs at anyone who tries to keep us apart.

“Yeah, that older one is a real piece of work. Made me take Queen Omelet back home with me just because Zoey doesn’t have a chicken coop. I mean, details, right?” Courtney waves for her own beer. “So, did she break up with you?”

“No!” Hell, I’d be in a lot worse shape if that happened. “She just asked me to give her some time alone with her brothers. Since everything was so tense. And she hasn’t seen them in a few weeks.” By the end of my explanation, I’m grumbling. Like a spoiled kid denied his favorite toy.

I can’t help it. We were away on a moon run, and all I wanted to do was curl up with my woman tonight after pleasuring her in all the ways I could think of.

But no. I’m stuck at The Rabbit Hole, nursing my second beer as the clock ticks past midnight. I can’t even get properly drunk because I have to drive myself home.

“Sounds like you need to get on their good sides.”

“Me?” I growl. “What about them getting on my good side? You should’ve seen the way they were treating her before you got there. Wouldn’t even let her out of the house. She had to climb out a fucking window!”

“Hmm,” Courtney answers, not committing to my side. “So, they’re dicks. But clearly, Zoey can handle them … in her own way.”

Courtney flicks at something on my shoulder, and I catch a glimmer of another glitter piece I must’ve missed in my shower. The memory of Zoey’s method for shutting down a fight has me giving in to a reluctant smile.

But Courtney isn’t done.

“Still, they’re her brothers. Her family. What are you?”

My smile drops, and I can feel myself frowning. “I’m her … mate.”

“No, you’re not. Not yet.” Courtney, normally just as carefree as me, examines me with cool eyes. “Maybe not ever.”