“I get it,” I give her a forced smile that doesn’t meet my eyes. “He doesn’t like Panthers. He has a good reason not to like us.”

“You’re more than your animal,” Seline says quietly, an understanding in her voice that makes me want to sink into her arms. But I hold myself back.

“I’m safe. I’m alive. And I have my animal back,” I wet my lips. “I think I have plenty of reasons to be grateful. It’s okay if I don’t get my mate. I honestly,” a short, abrupt laugh ...