Nefretiri
'I'm not getting out of this one.'
If Ivan's growl and the flash of fangs weren't a dead giveaway, the determination in his eyes would've done it.
The problem is, I know he's got the wrong idea.
Yes, I had concerns, but they weren't about rejection, not really.
It was something else. Something deeper that might be more painful. Unfortunately, I'm a coward for self-truths.
"Nefra…" Ivan glared at me, his agitation growing, but his voice stayed calm. "I could never be sorry that you're my mate. I don't want a she-wolf or anyone else. All I want and need is you."
"That's not what I mean."
This wouldn't be easy to explain.
'Did you expect it to be? If you don't tell him how you feel, he'll never know.'
'Not ready for that conversation!'
"Then explain."
Fuck, I should've stayed quiet.
"Okay…" Bracing myself, I moved so we were eye-to-eye. "If the bond didn't exist, would you still want me?"
"What?" I almost laughed. Ivan's jaw was in the water.
