Jasmine's POV
"And after the ceremony, we'll bond properly. The marking, the blood exchange, all of it." Christopher's voice softened, intimate. "I'll make it special for you, baby. In our bedroom, just the two of us. Romantic, the way you deserve."
My nails dug into my palms. These exact words. I'd heard them before, believed them before. Waited for that special moment that never came, that he kept postponing with new excuses until I was too blind and broken to demand anything.
"Once we're bonded, you'll be strong enough to help my mother." He squeezed my hand. "The pack physician confirmed it. The moment our bond is sealed during the blood ritual, your abilities will amplify. You'll heal her completely, and then we can start our real life together."
Our real life. The one that invol
