Lucian stared at Zeda, hurt flashing in his eyes.

“Is that what you think?” His voice was low, almost disappointed.

Zeda opened her mouth to rephrase her question, but he held up a hand.

“Look, I might be a lot of things, but I’m not selfish, especially not with you,” he said. “I’ve been able to control my beast just fine with my bike or music ever since I came of age. I don't need anything else to keep the monster at bay.”

He stood up and then knelt before her, easily ...