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If she saw my face and met my eyes, the bond would open for her too. There would be no going back after that.

I had a mate, and my mate was a walking weakness.

“Fuck,” I breathed.

I had killed for less than what she was going to cost me. I could feel her moving below. The awareness remained faint but clear. She was crossing the lobby, her heartbeat quickening as guards tracked her progress toward the exit.

I didn’t want to follow the sensation. I considered tearing through the floor to reach her anyway.

“I’m calling medical,” Vale said carefully. “You’re pale.”

“No.” My voice came out rough. I forced myself upright and made my lungs work. “Don’t call anyone.”

“You nearly fell in the lobby. Your aura spiked hard enough to trip three ward alarms.”

“Let security ask questions.” I dragged a hand through my hair, trying to smooth the snarl inside my skull. “We’re fine.”

We.

I heard it and wanted to punch something.

Vale studied me. “What happened?”

I could lie. I’d spent years lying. I could claim the wards had flared or some old curse had decided to wake up. He would believe either explanation.

I needed him focused rather than guessing, though. Vale had sworn his loyalty in blood and worse.

“A bond,” I said.

His eyes widened a fraction. Vale did not shock easily.

“A mate?”

“Yes.”

He glanced toward the elevator. “The courier?”

“Olivia Heart.”

Even saying her name felt unreal. The universe had always enjoyed jokes at my expense.

“You’re sure?” Vale asked.

“I’m not in the habit of being wrong about magic stapling itself into my spine.”

He moved back half a step before forcing his composure into place. Efficient and controlled. That was why I kept him around.

“Did she see your face?”

“No.”

“Then her side should remain dormant.”

“Should?”

Vale watched me carefully. “She might experience heat, disrupted sleep, or a vague pull toward you. But recognition won’t settle until she sees your true face and eyes.”

“I want everything you can find on her,” I said.