Dante’s POV

Angel remained silent as I drove back to the packhouse. I felt her gaze on me for a fleeting moment before she turned her attention back to the passing scenery outside. The air between us felt heavy with unspoken tension, and I couldn’t help but notice how awkward things were between us now.

This wasn’t how having a mate was supposed to feel. Even the simple, flirtatious exchanges we had shared when we first met seemed distant now, replaced by palpable unease. ...