Liam froze. He didn't want to remember that deal. He wanted it to be expunged. She was his mate. How was he supposed to let her leave? Was it his Karma?

"Don't leave me," he muttered so softly. He didn't think he could bear the heartbreak. "We still have time to figure this out together, Nicole. We will. So please be patient. Let's figure it out. We're a team, and we'll face any challenge together."

Nicole's eyes softened, and her mind was in pieces. How was she supposed to stay ...