I nodded, fearing I might not breathe until she gave me an answer.

A moment later, her searching eyes grew glossy with tears. Her thumb brushed over my cheek. “I would love nothing more.”

Three pounded knocks on the door gave away Fang’s mood before I even opened it, still pulling a pair of pants on.

He was too pissed off to crack a joke as I buckled them and stood shirtless before him. “You didn’t show for family dinner.”

“Shit.” Due to the madness that had overtaken my brain, I’d lost track of nearly all else. Guilt punched at my chest. “I fucking forgot, okay? I’ll head over there tomorrow and—”

“Mother’s beyond upset.” Fang’s eyes flashed. His nostrils widened as he sniffed and peered behind me.

Aster was leaving the bedchamber. I turned to find her mercifully dressed in one of my tunics and waving at Fang.

Fuck.

“Well, well.” Brows high and a smirk lighting his eyes, the asshole returned her wave with wiggling fingers. “And who might you be?”

I growled and stepped outside, forcing him back while pulling the door closed. “None of your concern.”

“Nice try, but this is too fascinating. You never bring anyone here.” He frowned, laughing a little with shock. “Shit, you barely let me inside this fucking hovel.” He looked back at the door, and it dawned. “That’s your captive?”

His features grew slack and then tightened. Before he could open his mouth again, I marched down the path and into the thin layer of trees that separated my home from the outskirts of the city beyond.

I’d known this moment would arrive before I wanted it to, yet I’d been too caught up in the female I’d never thought I’d see again to prepare for it.

“Stars stun me.” He’d ceased walking, and I whirled when he said, “You don’t have a captive, you lying asshole. You’re fucking mated, and you’re keeping it a secret?” He stepped closer and hissed, “Why?”

“It’s…” I braced my feet apart and crossed my arms over my chest. “Still fresh.”

“Bullshit.” Fang studied me for a moment, his head shaking as he laughed low. “No, you’ve been even more torturous to be around than usual over these last few years, and she”—he stabbed a finger toward the cottage—“is the same female I scented in your apartment that time you didn’t show at the Keep.”

“You don’t know what you’re muttering about.”

“But I do, don’t I?” Fang pressed, his eyes alight with knowing. “I fucking do, and your unwillingness to share anything right now merely confirms it. She broke your miserable excuse for a heart, didn’t she? And now she has returned to you.” He snarled when I stayed silent, “So who is she? Why keep her a secret?”

“I don’t need to tell you anything.”