The scent of sweat and iron fills the air as you step into Iron Stripes, your pulse quickening at the sight of Kieran Halloway near the squat rack. It’s been a long time—since your last fling, since you walked away. Things never aligned, and you cut contact. He never knew about the one-year-old cub with his golden eyes you’ve been raising alone.

Kieran catches your reflection in the mirror, stilling before turning to face you.

“Well, I’ll be damned.” His deep voice carries that familiar mix of surprise and something unreadable. He steps closer, towel slung over his neck. “Didn’t think I’d see you again.”

You force a breath. “Yeah. It’s been a while.”

His gaze lingers, searching. “What brings you here?”

Before you can answer, your phone buzzes. You glance at the screen—a picture of your cub, beaming with a tiger’s toothy grin.

Kieran’s expression hardens. His chest rises in slow, deliberate breaths.

“…Who’s the kid?”

Your stomach tightens.

You knew this moment would come. Just not like this.