The next three days passed in a blur.

Meals eaten in awkward silence. Dante checking on me from the doorway without entering, his presence hovering like a ghost.

The mate bond ached constantly. It wanted us close, wanted us touching, wanted the connection we'd had before Silas tore it apart.

But every time Dante got too close, panic would rise in my throat and I'd have to retreat.

He was trying. Moon Goddess, he was trying so hard. Being patient, giving me space, not pushing.

But I could ...