The words land like a slap in my face, but I keep my expression neutral.
“She’s made that pretty clear,” Daciana continues, her voice hardening. “It’s hard to see you two as mates when she doesn’t want anything to do with you.”
“Things are complicated,” I say tightly.
“Clearly.” Daciana’s gaze bores into mine. “If you’re really her mate, why is she spending all her time with Zane? Why would she choose to be with him instead of you?”
“That’s not—” I stop myself, realizing I’m about to reveal too much. “That’s not relevant to what I came here for.”
Recognition dawns in Daciana’s eyes, and her whole demeanor changes. “This is part of some mission, isn’t it?” She leans forward with new interest. “Or is it that she doesn’t want you? Did she reject you?”
“As I said, it’s complicated,” I s
