“You could say that,” I responded smoothly, turning around to stock the glasses behind me. Behind my back, I could hear them whispering furiously, talking about me being a human and insisting a soulbond with a human was impossible. I tuned them out completely, my own thoughts suddenly spiralling. Should I ask him about it? Was I actually ready to take another step? Fear clutched at my throat. Men... I really, truly liked Orion, to the point where I couldn't believe how fast I was falling for him. But Knox’s ghost was still hitching on my back, whispering a reminder: men change. They wear a sweet mask until they feel they own you, and then they show their real colours—controlling, manipulative, and abusive. I didn't want to put a label on whatever Orion and I have going on. Not yet. If I

