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Finally deciding Baras had done nothing to hurt me, Cassar let go of his throat and took a small step away from the bear. Unfortunately it was closer to me. Keeping a barrier between Baras and I.

"Wait. You mean, your mate refuses your mating bond, and you have to imprison her to stay with you?" Baras asked, eyes wide.

At the same time, I said yes, Cassar said no. We both took a moment to glare at each other.

Then for the first time I met Baras, his mouth turned into a smile. A laugh boomed from his chest as he doubled over, clutching his gut.

I couldn't help but laugh with him. Cassar just glared at us both, his back straightening from his predatory stance.

"It is kind of funny if you think about it." I giggled.

Baras wipes a tear from his eye. "It's not funny, it is sad."

Cassar rolled his eyes, glaring at the two of us.

"I needed that." I sighed with a smile on my face, after calming down. "On that note, I'm going to go."

I turned around heading for the mouth of the cave, rememberi