"Riley," I said sharply, crossing the room and taking hold of her arm as she looked up at me, anger still on her face "I have never been ashamed of you or what you are. I love you" I told her firmly as she glanced up at me beneath fluttering eyelashes "all of you, siren side and all. I just don't want you to get hurt because you're my mate and it's my job to protect you" I finished.
"But I don't need your protection, King Bailey," she said quietly, although something flickered in her eyes and the expression on her face relaxed slightly "My people do. I will not hide behind false niceties and pretend to be anything other than who I am, not even for your sake," she told me, her eyes glittering "and I meant every word that I said. Either you are here to support me in my endeavors" here her
