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And this is mine.

Checkmate.

I stroke over the phone, knowing that Luca is taking time to process my response and analyze it.

Finally, my phone vibrates again.

You are right. Carry on.

I blink at the screen.

Angel would kick Luca’s ass for that answer, but I respect it.

I type out another question, trying to tempt him into a conversation.

Where are you?

Luca is the most mysterious of the Cole Alphas. I find him hard to read. He works outside in nature. He’s solitary. He is fiercely independent, apart from being part of the pack.

From what Angel told me, when he didn’t know that I was a Heat Wave Omega, he’s the one who desperately wanted an Omega in his pack.

Does Luca want one?

Whether he does or not, he has still messaged me every night, even though it has either been a single sentence or simple factual information.

This is the longest conversation that I have managed to tease him into.

I have the sense that he isn’t someone who does small talk.

Butterfly Creek. North bank. Three-tenths of a mile east of the old cattle crossing. About forty yards into the tree line.

Wow, that’s…specific.

It’s my location. Good night. I enjoyed talking to you.

I stare at the message.

He enjoyed talking to me…?

The tips of my ears redden.

Luca doesn’t praise or flatter. He doesn’t like most people.

Does he like me?

Still, I guess that’s all I’m getting for tonight.

I caress over the phone again, before I type:

Night.

With a groan, I force myself to my feet. Now my back is protesting as well. I clutch the phone as I lean against the desk.

Do pretzels have bad backs too?

I take a deep breath, before I push myself to straighten up. My eyes water, while my muscles shriek with pain.

I stretch my arms above my head, popping my spine.