ASHLEY

I raised a skeptical eyebrow as Carson stood before me with his hands behind him.

I noticed they had been doing some really funny things after they stood up for me at the cafeteria. I could not deny that my heart melted at their support. But I was also worried. Why did they announce me as their mate when I had told them plainly that I wanted out of the mate bond?

It seemed like my rejection meant nothing to them. Instead, they became more intentional about making me happy.

The ...