LEO Lunch hadn’t gone exactly as I had planned, but it was a huge step in the right direction. In the end, I’d made my intention clear, and we had a good time. I had even learned a few encouraging things about my little mate. She wanted pups. There was this longing look on her face when we talked about my niece and nephews. Sol wanted pups, and I was more than happy to give them to her. If they had a fraction of the natural light of their mother, our children would make the world a brighter place. I was also certain her reluctance about our mate bond wasn’t about me. Sol deflected any conversation about herself, especially if it led in a complimentary direction. It was like she couldn’t stand kindness being directed at her, as if she didn’t deserve it. The battle inside her head could

