RAVAYA
Kael's voice echoed through the bond, ragged and low. 'It's nothing.'
I clenched my jaw. 'Don't lie. It's your first rut, isn't it?'
He said nothing at first, then the bond tightened with raw heat. 'Ravaya... you can't come over. Please. You don't understand what I'll do—'
'What you'll do is lose yourself if no one helps you.' I pressed harder, my breath catching from the rush of his need bleeding into me. 'It will consume you, Kael.'
His silence was worse than words.
I raised my hand and caught the waiter's eye. "Could I get another glass of the '87?" I flashed him a killer smile.
The young man leaned close and tilted the bottle towards my glass. I shifted just enough, and the deep crimson liquid splashed down my dress.
"Oh," I gasped lightly, rising with a soft laugh. "Wha
