Evelyn's POV

Bradley's sudden confession had left me completely unprepared. How could I have missed the signs? I’d always considered him a friend who was easy to talk to and who made me laugh. But this? This was a complication I hadn’t anticipated, nor one I welcomed. The idea of being chosen as his mate had never crossed my mind, and the thought alone made my heart sink. I had no desire to encourage his affections, yet I had no idea how to discourage them without hurting ...