Raven’s Pov
“What do you mean I’m in heat?” I snapped, my eyes burning just as much as the rest of my damn body.
Alessio’s face was unreadable. “You’re in heat.”
“I heard you the first time,” I bit out. “What the hell do you mean by that?”
He gave me a long look, then said, “When was the last time you were touched?”
I blinked. Then stared. “What kind of stupid, perverted question is that?”
“I’m serious, Raven,” he said calmly, like this was some normal morning conversation over tea.
I scoffed. “You think I have time to keep a touching calendar?”
He rubbed the back of his neck like I was the one being ridiculous. “In the way we’re built—when a woman is mated and untouched for too long, the bond triggers a heat cycle. Especially if there’s… tension between the mates.”
“Tension?” I e
