Patience's POV
"I've said it before, Hazel and I are just friends!"
He immediately retorted with displeasure, his oppressive aura intensifying, attempting to subdue me, "Don't joke about that! You know once I fully marked you, all issues will vanish!"
Some primal instinct within me screamed in warning, filled with disgust and resistance toward his advancing presence.
My wolf was rejecting our mate.
"I'm not joking," I said softly, my voice laced with unprecedented exhaustion and resolve, "I'm tired. I no longer wish to continue this mateship. Who you're drawn to is no longer my concern."
My heart had turned to ash regarding Kelsey, even the instinctual bond between us was flickering out.
Kelsey's expression shifted, a flicker of genuine panic crossing his eyes.
I could sense the fr
