Cynthia Dion: 

"I talked to him and warned him not to repeat such actions. However, he does have an excuse for being around you," Atticus spoke calmly, taking measured breaths, though he occasionally clenched his jaw.

"What excuse?" I asked, observing him as he tucked his chin in thought.

"That he's your mate. Though it doesn't justify his behavior, he claims he can't stop talking to you," Atticus seemed a bit uneasy discussing this issue with me.

"So maybe if ...