Gavriel stood at a distance, silently watching the scene unfold. He had rushed out earlier after cleaning Althea, knowing that if he lingered any longer, he would lose control and claim her again.

Days without touching her had left him like a starving beast, and with Althea, restraint was always slipping through his fingers.

The mate bond between them was fierce, almost unbearable at times. His jaw tightened as he saw her smiling sweetly at Abner. He knew well enough that Abner harbored no ...