** Poppy’s POV **

When I told Jake I was ready to seal our bond, I expected him to go into a frenzy. To be overjoyed, or even relieved. What I didn’t expect was his eyes to fill with uncertainty and his body to go rigid, as if I’d just suggested we do something horrific, like burn his textbooks.

He doesn’t push me away, but he doesn’t pull me in either. Instead, his hands hold me in place whilst his eyes search mine.

“Poppy… I…” he stops, his eyes flicking towards ...