"Hey." Maria touched my shoulder. "I know this is overwhelming. But I'm going to teach you some techniques to manage the emotional overflow from the bond, okay?"
For the next twenty minutes, Maria walked me through breathing exercises and mental barriers. How to create walls in my mind that would keep Christian's emotions from completely drowning out my own.
"The bond will keep intensifying for the next several weeks," she warned. "It peaks during the full moon. That's when you and Christian will need to complete the mating ritual."
"And if we don't?"
"Permanent psychological damage from the incomplete connection. For both of you." Her expression softened. "No pressure or anything."
"Right. No pressure."
Downstairs in the dining room, at least thirty pack members were g
