Page 322 of Knot What I Expected

Certain.

It makes no fucking sense.

I've never met Valerie Anatoly.

Yes, I've seen pictures. Heard stories.

Gia talks about her constantly.

I know she has sandy-blonde hair and teal-green eyes.

I know she’s a Dryad.

I know she helped her sister survive.

I know she’s stubborn enough to disappear when dangerous people start looking for her.

And apparently, she's reckless enough to stop checking in with the one person who loves her most.

But I don't know her.

That should matter.

It doesn't.

Because my Dragon has decided something my rational mind isn't ready to entertain.

Ours.

“No.”

The word comes out as a growl inside the cab of my truck.

I'm back on the road now, following another lead after hours spent searching from the air.

Ours.

“You don't know that.”

A rumble vibrates through my chest.

Ours.

I tighten my hands around the steering wheel.

“Wreck and Havoc have infected you with this mate bullshit.”

My Dragon doesn't dignify that with an answer.

Asshole.

I should turn around. I should call Gia and tell her I found nothing.

Let the Council organize a proper search.

Let someone else find Valerie.

Someone who isn't an ancient Dragon with instincts becoming more unstable by the fucking hour.