Page 77 of Howlin’ For You

Nick: I found those pretty pink panties of yours underneath my bed.

Izzy: Oh, did you? However could they have gotten there?

Nick: At first I thought it was just circumstantial, but now I’m suspecting a planned attack.

Izzy: You’ll never know.

Nick: My entire fucking room smells like you now.

Izzy: You’re welcome.

Nick: Should I bring them with me? Stuff your mouth full of them to keep you quiet while I show you just how much they affected me?

Izzy: You’ll have to find me first.

Anticipation raises the hairs on my arms, raises goosebumps on the back of my neck.

Before I know what I’m doing, I grab my keys and run out the door like the hounds of hell snap at my heels behind me. I have to go get her.

She’s mine.

The cold autumn air slapping me in the face does nothing to hinder my excitement. If anything, it spurs me on toward the warmth of her body. The comfort and softness only she can give.

I follow the slightly chipped sidewalks of the town I call home, taking the time to appreciate all I have here.

I meant it when I said I’d leave Lunamois for her, but it would be a loss. This town means more to me than I tend to admit. This is the town where I grew up. My parents took me to my first day of school here. My brother and I learned to ride bikes down these streets. Georgie, Dane, and I became best friends here.

No one is actually on their way to the event yet, but I can hear people getting ready, having a snack, and calling babysitters. It filters through the windows and doors onto the street, spilling their happiness onto the pavement.

As if that joy belongs to all of us.

And maybe it does. Perhaps that’s the whole point of living in a small town in the middle of nowhere—community. Shared experiences. Connection.

I shake my head. God, when did I get so fucking sappy? Introspective, even. That’s much more like Dane.

The answer is Izzy. Everything is Izzy. My whole world revolves around her. The way I think, act, and move has changed because of her.

I’m better because of her.

And I’m going to tell her tonight. I’m going to tell her she’s my mate before she can say anything, and I’m going to tell her that I want her with me for the rest of my life.

Determination spurs me forward. I’m a man on a mission, and I won’t be deterred.

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

ISABELLA

Nick’s texts make my cheeks burn so much I swear I’m going to combust at any moment. But the hustle and bustle of the vendors allows me to attempt to distract myself. I can’t focus on the promise of his words or the way I imagine him enjoying the little treat I left for him.

“Oh my God, this place is perfect!” Georgie’s voice jolts me out of my thoughts. The best distraction. “The booths, the decorations, the whole vibe!”

I turn to her, smiling at her outfit. Usually, she’s just in a white tee and jeans, but today she’s got on a gorgeous dark green sweater and tight black pants. “Thank you! Did you find your booth okay?”

Georgie rolls her eyes but gives me a one-armed hug. “Of course. I also brought you some tea.”

I take it from her, affection for my friend threatening to lift my feet right off the ground.

“Before you say anything, yes, it’s on the house,” she says, cocking her hip. “No, you cannot pay for it. Yes, I am the best friend in the whole world. Yes, you need to seek help for your caffeine addiction.”