(Isabella)

“However, I cannot accept you as my mate.” His words hung thick in the air, crashing down a wave of confusion on me.

"What?!" I burst out, pulling away from his intensity, instinctively creating distance between us as if that could shield me from the truth he wielded like a dagger.

"I cannot accept you as my mate, Isa," he repeated, the finality in his voice echoing like a death knell.

"Why?" I asked, desperation creeping into my tone as I searched his eyes for some sign of ...