Reeva

“Axel, what are you talking about?” I demand. Is he seriously thinking of rejecting me?

He finally meets my eyes again. “I don’t mean to hurt you,” he says. “I just can’t be involved with a student.”

I’m shaking my head the whole time he’s speaking. “What does that have to do with anything? You’re my mate!”

“I’ve worked all my life for this career,” he explains, though I can hardly call it an explanation.

“You’re giving up our mate bond for a career?” What am I hearing from this man? I didn’t feel a single doubt in Connor or Finn, and they have important lives, too.

I crinkle...