Maya closed her eyes tightly, as she heard Derek's proclamation. She didn't know whether she should be angry that he had said it out in the open without her consent, or happy that he had known her well enough, even to the extent, of telling that his best pack warrior was her mate. It showed her that he still hadn't really forgotten about their closeness. It also gave her a hope that they could reconcile, maybe later, if her father didn't require anything selfish from her.

"Derek, what ...