Alex's pov:

I expected some whining from Jade about how I kept the fact that we were mates from her, but nothing could have prepared me for her doubt and insecurities. It was glaringly obvious that I failed to show her just how much she mattered to me.

And then, despite her heat, she forbade me from marking her, and I could only respect her decision even if it hurt me and bruised my ego.

I truly did fail her as a mate, I reasoned.

That being said, I would happily spend my life ...