Chapter 48

　　The heart under question drummed against my ribcage with an ever- quickening rhythm as if it knew it was the topic of conversation. 　　I thought of how much the last few weeks had meant to me. Of how much Dylan’s pursuing me to Berlin, of persevering with nurturing our mating bond, and then showing me every day how much he loved Fern and me. 　　“I love him, Bert. I can’t imagine ever being away from him again.” I laughed, realizing how true that was and finally feeling the tension that had built within me effervesce. Every day he wasn’t with me here at the store was a daily struggle, which was more often of late, given how much pack business he’d had to take care of remotely. 　　“I swear by Nuu-Chah, he is my one true mate,” I said, feeling my decision take root within me. 　　“Good,” Bert said the smile back in his voice. “After I get off the phone, I’m gonna howl at the moon in celebration. But I’m damned relieved to hear you say all this, Cherry. Because he’s given up his job, his home