Ayla's POV
I barely slept the rest of the night. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Kira's terrified face, felt her pain through the twin bond. Heard her desperate plea: "Come alone, or we'll both die."
Beside me, Arkon slept peacefully, his arm wrapped around my waist, his breathing steady.
I couldn’t control the guilt that was twisting in my stomach.
I couldn't lie to him. Not after what we'd just shared. Not after bonding so completely. But I also couldn't ignore Kira's warning.
As dawn light filtered through the hotel windows, I made my decision.
I had to tell him.
Arkon stirred, his arm tightening around me. His eyes opened slowly, and when he saw me awake, he smiled. "Good morning, baby."
"Ayla? What's wrong?" He sat up, suddenly alert. "Is it the nightmare from last night?
