Jasmine's POV
"I still think we should wait." I kept my voice small, hesitant. "Just until the High Priestess returns. To be absolutely certain that—"
"Absolutely certain?" Christopher's laugh was harsh, bitter. "There are no absolutes, Jasmine. Life doesn't work that way. My mother is dying, and you want guarantees?"
"I want to protect myself."
"You are protected. By me. By our bond." He jerked the car into a parking lot I didn't recognize, slamming on the brakes hard enough that I lurched forward. "What more do you need?"
I met his eyes, letting silence stretch between us.
"Fine." He forced the word through clenched teeth. "We'll wait. A few days. When the priestess gets back—"
"Weeks, you said."
His nostrils flared. "What?"
"You said she'd be gone for weeks." I tilted my head
