"Well, thank the old oaks for that," I growled, standing and preparing to chase Sunny if that was what it took.

"I can't do this, Khell," Sunny said. And my poor mate was crying, trembling in her pretty dress and sweater, head shaking, showing me glimpses of those foolish lovely ears I would bite later for not listening.

"Sunny," I barked, some mix of the tone I used to be the dominant and my own patience running thin. "Come here."

Sunny stiffened and swayed forward for a moment before shaking her head once. "This isn't a game, Khell'ar."

"I'm well aware. Sunny, you are mine. My—"

"Hodge podge," Sunny bit out, chin tipping up in stubborn determination.

I blinked in confusion once. "Wha—"

And then the lights of the cottage turned red, and my heart stopped in my chest. The safe word.

All the doors swung open abruptly, and my heart started up again just as fast, trying to climb its way up my throat, as if I could spit it out and leave it at Sunny's feet.

"Partner report," called a cold voice over the hidden intercoms as Sunny turned on her heel, eyes still holding mine.

"Sunny, wait," I pleaded. But all it took was one step forward from me, and Sunny spun and raced for the door.

"Partner report," the MSA help line called again.

"Fuck off," I snarled, chasing after Sunny.

It wasn't a far distance for her to go, and she'd already covered half of it in the muddled little argument. She made it to the door before me, and I thought I felt my heart race over the threshold with her.

"Sunny, please!" I shouted, reaching for the door.

But MSA had policies and procedures for the red light safe word. The front door swung shut, snapping and locking in place, just as my fist landed against the wood.

"Partner report, please."

"Put Astraeya on the line," I snapped, banging once more on the door. "Sunny, please, just wait outside!"

"Report—"

"Client is unharmed but had a strong emotional response. Put Astraeya on!"

There was a huff of irritation on the line, but the red lights turned off. The little shit agent kept the door locked, though.

"Sunny?" I called, rapping more lightly on the door, resting my head against the surface and catching my breath.

My answer was the sound of her car starting.

"Fuck!"

Every crunch of gravel and snap of a twig under Sunny's retreating car had a physical manifestation in my chest, my body trying to cave in on itself like I was the thing being crushed under those tires.

I'd just had her in reach. I should've thrust into her, told her she was my mate, and not pulled out again until we were both exhausted and in agreement.

"Khell? What's—"