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Caden’s POV

I hit the punching bag for what feels like the thousandth time. It’s busted—leaking sand and covered in my blood. My knuckles sting as tears fall from my eyes.

I caused her so much pain—for nothing. I was a dickhead. I nearly lost her because I refused to listen when she told me, over and over again, that she was ready.

I was so obsessed with protecting her innocence that I didn’t realize I was breaking her. Her heart stopped beating. And when it did—so did mine. Why couldn’t I see her then the way I see her now that the bond is in place? She wasn’t a girl. She isn’t a girl. She’s a woman.

The bond doesn’t snap into place and magically turn you into an adult. It’s more like a conclusion to your childhood—a graduation into something deeper. It’s the moment every wolf waits for. Not just because you’re officially classed as an adult, but because your wolf—the counterpart growing inside you your whole life—finally becomes strong enough to rise to the surface. To become a mate. A protector. A parent. It’s bred into us.

And I’ve been too stupid to see it.

How could she ever forgive me? How will she even look at me when she realizes she was right all along—that I failed to see the woman she’d already become right before my eyes? I was too stubborn to admit the truth, and now we’re both bleeding for it.

The door opens and closes behind me. My parents’ scents drift into the room, warm and familiar.

I drove around for hours, too scared to go home. Terrified that if I walked through that door, I’d lose her for good.

I drop to my knees and let the tears fall. Just the scent of them is enough to push me over the edge. Mum rushes to my side and pulls me into her arms. She’s so small, she fits perfectly against me.

She lifts my face, forcing me to meet her eyes.

“You need to stop fighting this, son. It’s going to kill you both.”

I close my eyes as Dad steps in front of me. His expression is unreadable—but he doesn’t look happy. I don’t blame him. I’ve hurt her in ways I can’t explain.

“Your mother’s right. You’re hurting yourself and Baylee. This has gone on long enough,” he says sharply. “You need to snap out of this.”

I frown up at him. “I apologize, Father. But dammit, I don’t want to be a complete loser and get rejected on the day my mate receives her bond!”

He frowns and glances at Mum, who looks genuinely confused.

“What is it?” I snap, my voice sharp. “Spit it out!”

“Why on earth would you think she’s going to reject you?” Mum asks, gently wiping the tears from my cheeks.

I roll my eyes. Isn’t it obvious?

“Because how could she ever love me after everything I put her through—after everything I put us through—just because I couldn’t trust her when she said she was ready?”

Dad groans and drags his hands down his face.

“Damn it, Caden. She’s up at the house thinking you’re going to reject her. She thinks you ran off because you don’t want her.”

He throws his hands in the air. “I swear, you both need a slap. Emotionally stunted, the both of you. Lilly, I’m telling you—we need to raise these other kids better because these two knuckleheads are aging me before my time.”

Mum snorts, shaking her head.

Now I’m the confused one. Cain whimpers inside me at how stupid we’ve been—how much we’ve hurt her again.

“It’s true,” I mutter, ashamed. “I’m emotionally stunted and I just fucked it up all over again.” I slam my fist into the punching bag, cussing myself out for letting her think I don’t want her.

“You’re fine, Caden,” Mum says gently. “She’ll understand. Just please—start communicating. You’re both a mess. If you don’t figure this out, I’m hiring a full-time therapist to follow you around and kick your asses every time you piss me off.”

Dad snaps, grabs my ear, and yanks me up.

“Agh—agh! What the fuck, Dad!” I yell, swatting his hand away as Mum laughs beside us. I glare at her.

“Make him stop, Mommy!”

Dad groans. “Big fat mama’s boy. Get yourself cleaned up. And for heaven’s sake—you’re going to be Alpha in a few weeks. Stop calling her Mommy!”

Mum chuckles again and grabs his hand, making him drop my ear.

“He’s right, Caden. Go get cleaned up and go see her. May finally convinced her to get off the sofa and go shopping with her and Ryan. Be ready when she gets back. Sort this mess out.”

“Damn, she’s like the Baylee whisperer,” Dad mutters. “I tried for three hours to get her up and moving. You better make up for this tomorrow—you totally ruined all our presents!”

I roll my eyes. His favorite thing in the world is giving gifts—the bigger, the better. I never understood why. We already have everything we need and more. But it makes the kids feel special, and that’s what really matters.

“I will,” I whisper, glancing at the clock. I’ve got five hours to kill before we meet at the pub.

I look at Mum and nod.

“If she gets back before I do, can you please tell her I’ll meet her at the pub? I’ve got a lot to make up for.”

She smiles and stands on her toes to kiss my cheek. I turn and leave, feeling lighter.

At least I know now—I’m not getting rejected by my other half.