“Get me back?” Erik’s words rattle me. “What do you mean, get me back? What is he trying to do?”
“Exactly what I said.” Erik meets my gaze evenly. “He’s not happy with this new development. I don’t believe it’s going to damage the collaboration between the two kingdoms, but he’s definitely going to be a pain in the ass. He basically said as much.”
I blink uncomprehendingly at him. “So, what’s next?”
“The only solution is the one I offered you the other day. I can only offer you protection if you agree to become my mate. Cedric can’t touch you in that case. But, Leanna, you only told me he was your mate. You never told me he was your fated mate.”
I don’t flinch from his sharp gaze. “You never asked. You never really asked anything, Erik. If you have questions, I can answer them. You jus
