Page 5 of Devon

They reached the path that would lead them to the center of the village and back home.As they did so, someone burst out from between the trees.They clearly weren’t looking where they were going because they slammed right into Ryan’s arms, and Ryan had no other option than to wrap his arms around them so both of them could stay on their feet.

The man was shorter than Ryan, but with them being pressed so close together, it didn’t matter.Ryan still got a good whiff of the man’s scent.

He’d only arrived at the village last night, but he already had his mate in his arms.

* * * *

DEVON WAS GRATEFULthat this guy had caught him, at least until the guy refused to let him go when he tried stepping away.He was glad he hadn’t fallen on his face, but he didn’t want things to be weird.He also didn’t want to be rude, though, so he didn’t push the guy away like he felt he should.

He looked up.The guy was staring at him, which was slightly annoying.Whatwasn’tannoying was how cute he was.He was young, and the freckles on his nose made him look even younger.His brown eyes were wide as he stared at Devon until it made Devon uncomfortable.

“Thank you for that,” Devon said.“I’ll watch where I’m going better next time.”

The guy continued staring.He reminded Devon of Kendrick, which was the last thing Devon needed.He was trying to get away from Kendrick, not to get a crush on someone who looked like him.

Someone cleared her throat, but before Devon could turn to see who it was, the man’s hands tightened on his arms.He frowned and turned back, wondering what was happening.He wasn’t sure he actually wanted to know.

“You’re my mate,” the man breathed out.

Devon gaped.“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“You heard me.You’re my mate.”

“I can’t be your mate.”

“Why not?”The guy sniffed delicately.“I can smell that you’re human, but I promise I’m not lying.”

“You could be.”

“Why would I?”

Devon didn’t know, and he didn’t care.He didn’t want this—whatever it was.

He stepped away, and this time, the guy let him go.When Devon turned to leave, though, he stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.“I’m Ryan.”

Devon sucked in a breath and told himself not to snap.He had no idea who Ryan was, and he was pretty sure he’d never seen him around.Maybe he was a new clan member.If that was the case, things would be awkward for a bit, but he was sure the guy would stop eventually.“Devon, and please stop trying to convince me that I’m your mate.I don’t have a mate.”He wasn’t sure he deserved it after what had happened with Kendrick.Even if he did, he didn’t think he could deal with having a mate right now.

He was leaving the clan and the village.It would take him some time, but it was the best thing he could do for himself and for Kendrick.Having this guy tell people that they were mates would put a wrench in that plan, and Devon couldn’t allow that to happen.

“I’m not trying to convince you of anything,” Ryan mumbled.“It’s the truth.You’re my mate.”

Someone cleared their throat again.Devon turned, already glaring.He didn’t need spectators to whatever this mess was.

He stopped breathing when he saw Kendrick standing there, watching him and Ryan.There was a frown on his face, no doubt because Devon was there.Kendrick hadn’t told Devon that he never wanted to see him again, but he hadn’t had to.Who would want to see Devon after what he’d done?

“Devon, this is my brother, Kendrick,” Ryan said.

Devon croaked.He wasn’t sure what he’d been trying to say, but no words came out of his mouth.If Ryan was right—if Devon really was his mate—Devon would scream.

He knew what shifters thought about mates.They believed that fate chose the perfect mate for them.They believed that shifters met their mates when they most needed to.

What the fuck had Devon done to offend fate so badly?

He couldn’t be Kendrick’s brother’s mate.There was just no way after what had happened with Kendrick.Devon needed to stay away from the man, and he was sure that Kendrick felt the same way about him.He wouldn’t want Devon anywhere near him, let alone his brother.

“Devon...”Kendrick started.

Devon shook his head and stepped away.“It’s okay.You don’t have to say anything.”

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