And I don’t understand why my own chest feels tight. Why something sinks in my stomach at his answer. I barely know this male. I’m here to investigate a cold case, not to find a mate. I didn’t even want a mate and children at this time in my life. I have a career to rebuild. A reputation to salvage. A life waiting for me back on New Earth.
So why does “not compatible” feel like a door slamming shut?
“Good,” I say. My voice is steadier than I feel. “That simplifies things.”
He looks at me for a long moment. His dark eyes unreadable. His massive frame silhouetted against the strange purple light filtering through the trees.
Then he turns and keeps walking.
I follow, aware of the space between us.
Not compatible, I tell myself.Just focus on the story.
I don’t want a mate. Right? I don’t want forever. I just wanted... what? A date? A chance? The possibility of something?
It doesn’t matter now.
Someone is hunting this family. And I’m going to find out who.
