Bigfoot’s Mate (Mates for Monsters: Sasquatch #3)

6. Dafydd

CHAPTER 6

DAFYDD

Sixteen days ago...

FINALLY!

I knew it was only a matter of time. I hoped anyway. In truth, to be honest, I wondered briefly if I was defective, but no, my soulstone is singing for my mate. My soulmate. Deborah.

And she’s leaving. Talk about terrible fucking timing.

The humming grows louder, and the red glow intensifies as I try—and fail—to be subtle about adjusting myself. Not easy when you've got a glowing disco ball at the tip of your pecker that's determined to announce itself. Not that I’m embarrassed or anything. I’m proud. And I’m proud that my mate is so spectacular.

If only I can convince her to stay here with me in my cave.

"Are you sure you want to go?" I try not to sound like I'm whining, but come on. My soulstone just confirmed what I've known since I first laid eyes on her—we're fated. "I mean, the dorm beds are probably really uncomfortable. Mine's much better. And bigger. And it has me in it.” I waggle my brows enticingly.

Deborah laughs, the sound making my heart leap in my chest. “I’d like that, but I really need to spend some time with the other human women. I want to get to know them and to get their perspective on... all this." She waves her hand vaguely around the cave.

I want to argue. I want to tell her that we need time together to get to know each other—intimately. I want to say that my soulstone is singing for her, that we're fated mates, that she belongs here with me. But I remember my promise to Colwynn.

"Promise you’ll make sure she gets to the dormitory as soon as she's feeling better.”

I gave my word. But at the time, my soulstone wasn't doing the cha-cha.

“I can at least walk you there," I offer, trying not to sound as pathetically eager as I feel. “So you don’t get lost."

"The other women are right outside," she reminds me gently.

Right. They're probably pressed against the door right now, ears straining to hear every word. I wouldn't put it past that redhead—Steph, was it?—to have a glass against the wall.

"Well then..." I scratch the back of my neck, suddenly unsure what to do with my hands. Or arms. Or entire body, really. "I guess this is goodnight?"

“Goodnight, but not goodbye. We’ll see each other around. I promise.” Deborah steps closer, and my soulstone goes absolutely nuts. If she notices, she doesn't mention it. Instead, she rises on her tiptoes and sticks her puckered lips in the air. I bend down, and she plants a soft kiss on my cheek.

"Thank you," she whispers, "for everything."

My brain short-circuits. That kiss… Okay, it was just on the cheek, but da-yum.

“Anytime,” I manage to croak out, probably grinning like an idiot. "For everything. Anything.” I point finger guns at her. “Whatever you need. I'm your Squatch."

Oh god, did I really just say that? And finger guns? Fucking finger guns?! Quick, dumbass, say something else. Something smooth.

"I mean, not YOUR Squatch. Just a Squatch. Who's here. For you. If you need... anything. Which makes me YOUR Squatch.”

Oh, fuck.

Someone kill me now.

But Deborah just smiles, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Goodnight, Dafydd."

As she turns toward the door, I have to physically restrain myself from reaching out and pulling her back. My arms ache with the effort of not scooping her up and declaring that she's staying right here where she belongs.

But I made a promise. And Squatches keep their promises, even when their soulstones are throwing temper tantrums about it.

The moment she opens the door, three bodies nearly tumble into the cave. Called it. The women at least have the grace to look sheepish about being caught eavesdropping.

"Ready?" Steph links her arm through Deborah's, already pulling her away.

I watch helplessly as they lead my precious mate away, chattering about getting her settled in the dorm and something called a "girl gab sesh” whatever that is.

Just before they round the corner, Deborah glances back over her shoulder and gives me a small wave. My heart does backflips.

The moment they're out of sight, I slump against the doorframe with a dramatic sigh. "Thanks a lot," I grumble, glaring down at my still-humming groin. "Your timing is impeccable."

Great. Now I'm talking to my own penis.

I close the door and lean against it, letting my head thunk back against the stone. The cave suddenly feels too big, too empty. It's ridiculous—she wasn’t here for very long and she was mostly unconscious at that, but somehow her absence leaves a huge void.

Already I miss her smile, the way it lights up her whole face. The sound of her laughter. The feel of her small hand in mine. The way my heart nearly beat out of my chest when she kissed my cheek.

And you let her walk away.

No. No, she didn’t walk away. Just to the dorm. Where she'll be surrounded by other human women who can help her adjust to life in Grotto. Who can make her feel less alone in a strange new world.

This is good, right? This is what she needs.

Why does it feel like my heart is being ripped out through my fur?