RYAN POV
Crystal stepped closer, eyes turning red. "I never asked for your protection, Ryan. I asked for you, the real you. Not the cold Alpha who thinks he knows what's best for everyone."
My wolf growled, urging me to close the distance, to pull her into my arms and mark her properly this time. I gripped the tree bark behind me to stop myself.
"I know I hurt you," I said, voice rough. "I feel it every day. The bond didn't break entirely, we didn't it properly the last time. It's still there, pulling me to you. Last night I went to the eastern border as bait for whatever is taking my people. I sat there for hours... waiting to be taken, to end the threat. Nothing came. I returned feeling like a failure. And all I could think about was you."
She searched my face, some of the
