Chapter 22

“I want you to mark me.”

Something inside of me reacted in a way I never expected. My wolf was thrilled to finally have someone to call her own, but it wasn’t exactly the same for me. I feared what would come if I did what he wanted. What we wanted.

“I can’t.”

The hopeful look in his eyes died, and it made me feel guilty. “Why not? Don’t you want us to be bonded?”

“I do,”

He hadn’t let go of my hand and I took it he wasn’t upset. Maybe a little disappointed. “Then what’s the problem?”

“I’m afraid.”

“Of the council.” It was more of an assertion than a question. He was certain.

“Yes.”

“You have nothing to be afraid of, my love.”

“I have every reason to be afraid of them. They’ll do to me what they did to Zariya. I cannot leave my family and kingdom behind. I can’t leave you.”

“Even if I tell you that Selene, Aspro and Fitia will support us?