“You’re wrong,” I growl, the words rough with emotion. “You think I wouldn’t have fought this before? I’ve been watching over you since the moment I felt the bond, Selene. Even when I was keeping my distance.” Helplessness wars with fury in my chest. I release her wrist only to plant both palms against the wall on either side of her head, caging her in. “What will it take?” My voice drops and sounds raw, almost pleading. “What will it take for you to believe that I do care about you?”
She meets my gaze steadily, her features relaxing slightly. “I know you care, Seth.”
Relief floods through me.
“But I also know it’s because of the mate bond,” she continues, and the relief shatters. “The marks we gave each other. That’s what’s making you feel this way.”
“It’s not—”
“I have no expectatio
