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[Second Mate]

SEBASTIAN

Dumbfounded and out of my mind with worry, I stared at the open double doors that led to the balcony. I remembered locking them earlier, and I knew Arianne’s exhaustion forbade her from leaving the bed.

So, the question remained—who opened the doors?

Arianne had spotted something by the door. I knew she did. That frightened grimace contorting her features was enough confirmation for me. She, however, refused to tell me what it was. Whatever had terrified her had made her unwilling to disclose what she had seen.

“What if it was Sasha again?” Atticus intercepted my ranting.

Before I reacted to his interruption, the thought of seeing my mate again sent my heart racing. What if it was her and when she saw Arianne, she left?

“I warned you not to get involved with that bitch. You never listen to me, Sebastian! Just like that day when you left our mate and went into the city. Supposed we had lost more than our mate? Like our entire pack, for instance?”

“Woul