Page 65 of The Secret Mate Society

I shifted slightly, savoring the warmth of his body against mine, the steady rhythm of his breathing against my neck.In the soft morning light filtering through his curtains, everything felt peaceful, perfect even.For the first time in years, I wasn't thinking about monsters or missing hearts or the creature that had haunted my nightmares since childhood.I was just thinking about how right this felt, how safe I was in Calder's arms.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand, jolting me from my contentment.I reached for it carefully, trying not to wake Calder, and saw my mother's name on the screen.

Mom: Good morning, honey!Just checking in.How's the new job going?And Portland?I know it's been a while since we talked properly.

Guilt twisted in my stomach.I'd been so caught up in everything with Calder and the attacks that I'd barely responded to her texts over the past week.She'd been nothing but supportive when I'd moved across the country, even though I knew she worried about me being so far from home.

I glanced back at Calder's sleeping form, his dark hair tousled against the pillow, his face relaxed in a way I rarely saw when he was awake.How could I even begin to explain any of this to her?The job was going well, but everything else...the creature from my past returning, the human heart left outside my apartment, falling for a man who was clearly hiding dangerous secrets.

Me: Job's great!Portland is...interesting.Lots of character.

Mom: That's wonderful!Are you making friends?Meeting people?

I bit my lip, thinking of Jake's warnings, of Calder's mysterious early morning meetings and evasive answers.

Me: A few people, yeah.There's this guy...

I paused, my fingers hovering over the keyboard.What was I supposed to say?That I'd fallen hard for someone I'd known less than two weeks?That he made me feel things I'd never felt before, but also scared me with how intense everything was between us?I continued to type.

Me: His name is Calder.He's...he's really something, Mom.

Mom: Oh honey, that's exciting!Tell me about him.What's he like?

I smiled despite myself, thinking of Calder's protective instincts, the way he'd held me last night, the vulnerability he'd shown me.

Me: He's strong, protective.Makes me feel safe.But he's also kind of mysterious.There's a lot about him I don't know yet.

Mom: Well, that can be part of the fun of getting to know someone new.As long as he treats you well.

Me: He does

As I typed, I realized how true it was.Despite all my doubts and Jake's warnings, Calder had never made me feel anything but cherished.Even his possessiveness came from a place of caring, not control.

Mom: I'm so happy for you, sweetheart.So when do I get to meet this special boy?

As I read the message, my stomach dropped.The last thing I wanted was my mother coming to Portland when there was clearly a monster on the loose, especially one that knew where I lived and how to find me.

Me: Maybe in a few months?I want to make sure things are settled here first.

Mom: Of course, no rush.But I have to admit, I've been thinking about planning a little trip out there soon anyway.I've never been to Maine, and I'd love to see where you're living now.Maybe next month?

My heart rate spiked, and I must have tensed because Calder stirred behind me, his arm tightening around my waist.

"Everything okay, pup?"His voice was rough with sleep, sending shivers down my spine despite my growing anxiety.

I turned slightly in his arms, meeting those warm brown eyes that were already more alert than they should be for someone who'd just woken up."Just my mom checking in."

His expression softened."That's nice.You haven't talked about her much."

"She wants to visit," I said, watching his face carefully."Soon."

Something flickered across his features, too quick to interpret, but his thumb began tracing soothing circles on my hip."What did you tell her?"

"That I needed time to get settled first."I set my phone aside without responding to her last message."Calder, I can't have her come here.Not with everything that's happening."

"Hey."He shifted so we were facing each other fully, his free hand coming up to cup my cheek."We'll figure it out.Maybe by the time she gets here, this whole thing will be resolved."

"And if it's not?"