"Why did you say that?" I ask as we walk back to the car.
The path is uneven, pebbles crunching under my shoes. The air is thick with tension, but I’m not sure if it’s coming from me or from him.
My heart still hammers from what just happened back there. From hearing Rowan speak about me like I’m a stain on his pack.
From Caspian standing up for me like it was the easiest thing in the world.
"Say what?" His voice is deep, casual, as if he doesn’t already know.
"That we're mated."
"Aren't we?" He casts a glance down at me, his face unreadable, his tone final. Like he’s already done with this conversation before it even starts.
"No we're not. You'll be mated to Eden. Your parents have decided it," I want to say, but the look in his eyes tells me he's not ready for smart replies.
I
