I stand in the doorway of Lyra’s chambers, all my carefully prepared words evaporating at the sight of her. She looks exhausted but resolute, chin lifted slightly in that way I’ve come to recognize means she’s bracing for an argument. The bond between us pulses with conflicting emotions–relief at our proximity battling with the lingering tension from our courtyard confrontation.
“Can I come in?” I ask, my voice softer than I intended.
She nods, stepping back to allow me entry. I close the door behind me, grateful for the privacy after our too- public disagreement earlier.
“I owe you an apology,” I begin, pride giving way to more important priorities. “My reaction to your return was…” I search for the right word.
“Possessive? Accusatory? Completely unfair?” she supplies, though the slight curve of her lips takes some sting from the words.
“All of the above,” I admit with a rueful smile. “I was worried sick, Lyra. The bond separation, the power surges, the reports of Vega’s agents in the area–I imagined the worst.”
“That doesn’t explain the jealousy,” she points out, crossing her arms. “Or the implications about Kieran and me.”
I wince. “No, it doesn’t.” I run a hand through my hair, frustrated with myself. “I have no excuse for that part. It was pure jealousy, completely unwarranted and unfair to both of you.”
She studies me for a long moment, something softening in her expression. “At least you admit it.”
“I’m trying to be better,” I tell her honestly. “Every instinct screamed that you were in danger, that you needed my protection, that another male was too close to what’s mine.” I grimace at my own phrasing. “And I know how that sounds. I do. You’re not a possession.”
“No, I’m not,” she agrees quietly. “But I understand the instinct better than you might think.”
This surprises me. “You do?”
She sighs, some of her defensive posture relaxing. “The bond affects me too, Alexander. Maybe not with the possessiveness of an Alpha, but with… awareness. Constant awareness of where you are, who you’re with, what you might be feeling.” She moves to sit on the edge of a nearby chair. “When we were separated, I kept reaching for you through it, especially in moments of danger or decision.”


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