13. Nick
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
NICK
Her scent lingers on me. On my clothes, on my skin, in my memory.
In my sleep, I dream of the sway of her body as we danced. The way her fingers felt clasped around mine as we walked home together. The way her heartbeat quickened as we said our goodnights.
I slipped in that moment. Called her ‘petite copine’ just as my parents did, and their parents before them.
I come from a family full of mated pairs, so much so that the pet name cemented itself in our history.
The endearment has been in my family for generations, dating back to a time when my ancestors lived in France.
It’s our tradition for a male wolf to call his mate that.
If Izzy were to look it up, she’d just see that it means ‘girlfriend’—but it’s so much more than that.
It's far too soon to be using the pet name—especially since I haven't even clearly communicated my interest in her.
I really hope she doesn’t try to find it on the internet.
Despite the slip-up, I still have a smile on my face the moment I wake. I’m one step closer to showing Izzy that I can be the partner she needs, and one step closer to having my mate by my side.
I walk to the park in the middle of downtown, coffee in hand, ready to continue working on the stage.
I started yesterday, but haven’t gotten far enough yet.
The town’s anniversary is only a couple of weeks away, and if it weren’t for Izzy, I’m not sure where we’d be.
No doubt Vale would’ve put me in charge of planning, and that would’ve been a disaster beyond anything I can comprehend.
I can’t let her down—not when she’s made my life so much more manageable by receiving my work calls and managing my schedule.
My shoulders feel lighter, I’m sleeping better, and I’ve got this spring in my step I’ve never had, especially not since the accident.
I pull out my phone to send her a text before I get to work. I’m happier than I’ve been in a long damn time, and I hope to the Goddess it just keeps getting better.