*Hale*

I woke up early on Tuesday morning. The sun painted the room in gold, leaving Amara looking as if she were a statue covered in gold leaf, an angel asleep.

I slipped into the shower to wash away the confusing swarm of feelings that had flooded me upon waking up. I felt some relief that Amara had agreed to consider the mate bond at all. I didn't want her to feel pressured, but the dread of living with the pain of her rejection terrified me.

I was falling too fast for ...