Selene POV
As I pulled away from Derek, I gave him my best, most saccharine smile. I was the old Selene, caring, accommodating, knowing and caring nothing about his deception. I loved him, loved him, loved him – enough to spurn my fated mate – but I needed just one thing in return.
“Derek,” I said softly. “Speaking of partnerships and leading our future, I have something to ask of you.”
Derek paused, uncertain. I could tell he was a little bit thrown by my actually asking for something from him. He was used to taking, not giving.
“Surely you’ve picked up that I’ve been slightly hesitant about our marriage.” I twisted my expression into a confused, immature pout. “You know I love you, but it’s just been so overwhelming. Falling in love with you, rejecting my fated mate, learning the pac
