Forfeit

ADDIE POV

“Hey, Little Pup.” The man spoke those words to me, and I grinned back at him.

“Hey, James,” I said, lowering my stance into a fighting pose. The bell dinged. He didn’t move, just kept grinning at me.

“I really missed you,” he said, standing still, turning his palms to me, body relaxed.

James. Why did I know that his name was James?

Mate. I heard Talia say, quietly. I stilled.

Talia? I asked. Are you back?

We’re back, Little Pup, she said, and I felt a warm feeling flood me. I looked over at James, seeing him again for the first time. His scent washed over me, blueberry pancakes, freshly mowed grass and cloves.

Mate, Talia said, again, louder this time. I knew. I could feel him.

“James,” I said, quietly but with emotion. He could hear the connection in my voice. His grin got bigger.

“Oh, Addie. I’ve missed you so much!” He still stood there, not moving. I was acutely aware of the crowd, silent, watching our exchange. “Throw me in the river so I can take