Page 147 of Facade

“So?”

“So? You drive me crazy! I thought—” He raked his hands through his hair, making him look like a lunatic with the mush making his golden strands stand on end.

“What?”

“That you wanted me too! Wanted to be with me.” He hung his head.

I gripped the counter, frozen.

He dragged his gaze up, his red eye watering.

For once, I was stumped. My mouth gaped like a fish.

“I’m just a human.” My voice sounded small. I hated that—but why would I let myself think of a life together when I knew someday he’d just leave?

“I know. But on that journey, we got to know each other, and yeah, we only kissed, but—I just thought—I mean—I left my pack, Lyra.” His voice dropped, and it was the most serious I’d ever heard him. “Do you understand what that means? It means I can’t go back. I’m a Werewolf with no pack. But I’d do it again. For you. Even if you don’t want me.”

“I didn’t ask you to do that.” My mouth pressed in a line as I inched away from him, snatching another carrot in case he got another stupid idea.

I turned my back on him, grabbed a new bowl, and poured more flour and water into it, mixing it vigorously. Then added a dash of herbs—not really sure what they were, but they smelled nice enough. Maybe he’ll go away once he sees how busy I am.

After a moment of blissful silence, he sighed.

“You’re right. You didn’t. But I did it anyway.”

I turned, catching a smile spreading on his face. My lip curled as I pointed the carrot at his good eye.

“Why?”

“Because I love you, Lyra.”

I launched the carrot at him, the pointy end hitting my target.

“Owwwwwoooh!” he howled. “Why do you keep throwing things?”

“Because you say things that’ll make my lady bits get tighter than a Fae’s butthole. But then you say dumb shit like that, and they go loose. Just like sails with no wind.” I clucked my tongue. “Tragic.”

“I do mean it!”

He dropped his hands, tears streaming from his reddened eyes. Though that’s probably from my badass aim.

I folded my arms.

“Lyra, I’ve met so many females that are only after an alpha or pretend to be something they’re not for a male’s attention. But not you.”

He approached me, cautiously, glancing at my hands for more vegetable weapons, presumably. He didn’t notice the banana stashed in my skirt pocket. But I let him approach—for now.

“Since I’ve met you, you’ve been brazen, uncouth, foulmouthed—”

“What the hell, Pup—if this is you professing your love—”

He pressed his finger to my mouth, hitting my teeth instead.

“And stubborn—everything I could ask for. You’re not afraid of what anyone thinks. You speak your mind. And you’re the most beautiful, mesmerizing creature I’ve ever lay eyes on.”

I snorted, even as he reached out and caressed my cheek.

“Not so bad yourself, Pup.”