The Chef's Sick Mate (Book 17 of the Regal Eclipse Pack Series)

Chapter 39

Lincoln stared at that message for a long moment, thinking about his reply. You might not want to unpack.

What? Why?

Because you'll probably be moving again soon. In with me.

She didn't respond to that one for a while, and Linc suddenly wished he hadn't been so forward with her. He sighed softly and began to think of a way he could backtrack that message. He cursed himself under his breath. Aidan had told him she was nervous about meeting him. He'd jumped the gun.

You think so, huh? What if you don't like me?

Her response made him breathe a small sigh of relief, and he smiled, deleting the response he'd started to type and then typing another. I suppose that's possible, but you're my perfect match. The other half of me. I'm looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you, Genevieve. But only when you're ready.

It took her a couple more minutes to respond to him again. You're sweet, Lincoln. We might have to meet very soon. I'm sorry, I'm so nervous. This is all new to me.

He wondered if she just meant being a werewolf or dating in general. It was possible she hadn't dated much because of her being sick. He didn't know enough to make that call, though. Don't apologize. I know you haven't been a werewolf for very long. How often do you shift?

I was shifting almost every night, but I haven't since we got here. I don't know the area and where I'm allowed to go.

His eyes widened at her response to that. She seemed to love it. I'd like to go out with you if that's okay. When you're ready. I can show you around our territory.

I'd like that. Jules really likes that idea.

Linc smiled. Is Jules your wolf? He knew she was, but he wanted to hear it from her.

Yes. She's my best friend. And then a few seconds later. What's your wolf's name? Followed by: Am I allowed to ask you that?

Linc chuckled. He was starting to really like this girl. Of course, you're allowed to ask. I'm your mate after all. I'll tell you anything you want to know. His name is Maddox.

Her response was almost immediate. Seriously?

Yeah? Why?

I had

Linc frowned at the left-off text. Maybe she hadn't finished typing and accidentally sent it. But after a moment, he responded. You had?

It took her a long moment to respond. When I was really young, I had a stuffed wolf, and his name was Maddox. I still have him.

Lincoln smiled at that. We were always meant to be.

But I wasn't always a werewolf.

It doesn't matter. Sometimes, werewolves mate humans. When your sister and Aidan met, she was human, but Aidan still knew she was his mate. If you and I had met before you became a werewolf, you would still be my mate. Like he would have cared. He wanted her. Now that the bond had been established between them, he wanted to go to her and claim her as his own. She was his, and he was hers.