I stared at him. In my past life, he'd pushed for the binding ceremony right up until the rejection. This was new.
"Really?"
"Really. You were right. A true partnership shouldn't require magical binding. It should be built on trust and mutual respect." His thumb traced circles on my palm, and the bond purred at the contact. "I want you as my equal, Sera. Not my subordinate."
The words were perfect. Exactly what I would have wanted to hear a month ago.
Now they just sounded like another manipulation.
"That means a lot to me," I said, because I had to say something.
"I know I've made mistakes. I know I've hurt you. But I'm committed to making this work. To be the mate you deserve." He stood and moved around the table, kneeling beside my chair. "Sera Nightshade, will you give me another
