The language alone irritated me.
As though her worth existed solely in usefulness.
As though this female beneath me—this warm soft miraculous creature—could somehow be reduced to political advantage.
Amrin kept talking before I could interrupt.
“But I have none of that,” she whispered, voice growing thinner. “You understand that, right? I can’t really do anything. I wouldn’t be useful to you.”
Something dangerous shifted inside my chest.
“Luna—”
“And not that you’re proposing or anything,” she rushed onward nervously. “I don’t even know if your kind marries. Gods, I’m making this weird. I’m sorry.”
Sorry.
She apologized.
After giving me everything.
My vision flashed briefly silver.
What the fuck had the world done to this woman?
“No,” I said sharply enough that she startled slightly. “None of that.”
She blinked at me uncertainly.
And gods—the hopelessness swimming behind those beautiful pale eyes nearly drove me feral.
She should never look hopeless.
Not while I breathed.
Not while I existed.
“Hey, look at me,” I murmured more gently.
I shifted upright against the headboard, pulling her with me immediately because the thought of physical distance suddenly felt intolerable.
My hands settled firmly on her shoulders, forcing her to face me fully.
Naked.
Flushed.
Beautiful beyond reason.
My mate.
And there it was again.
That word.
No longer frightening.
Only true.
