The days that followed were the longest of my life.
Damon kept his word—he was everywhere I went, a constant shadow at my side. At meals, he sat close enough that our knees touched. In meetings, his hand rested on my back. At night, he held me so tight I could barely breathe, as if afraid I'd disappear if he loosened his grip.
And Caleb... Caleb was always there too. Watching from a distance. His eyes following me across every room, across every clearing. But he never approached, never spoke more than necessary. The distance between us was a physical ache.
I told myself it was for the best. Told myself that what happened by the stream was a mistake, a moment of weakness that couldn't be repeated. Told myself that I was Damon's mate, and that was all that mattered.
But my heart didn't l
