I attempted to swallow Jessica’s heartbeat in my throat. Feeling your mate was one thing, but feeling her turmoil for her lineage was another.

I reached over and interlaced her fingers with my own.

Sweat raced down her hairline. She hated that her wolf wanted dominance. It was a giant pink elephant sitting in the middle of the room.

Even though everyone tried to ignore it, I could not.

Neither could Jessica. She felt out of place and I wasn’t sure how to fix it. ...