SCOTT POV

I couldn't believe my ears. Mate? Did he just call Fiona his mate? My heart skipped a beat, and a surge of protectiveness coursed through me. I stepped forward, positioning myself between Fiona and the stranger, ready to defend her if necessary.

I looked around to notice that everyone seemed to be watching the unexpected scene that seemed to be unfolding. 

The place was so quiet that I could hear the faint sound of my own heartbeat pounding in my chest. Fiona stood behind me, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion. I could tell she was taken aback by the stranger's words as well. But I...