Ashley POV

“I'm not being a good friend, am I? Don't answer that,” Jayden added hurriedly with a bitter chuckle. He lowered his head in obvious defeat and snorted. “I'm not a good boyfriend, or a good mate, at all.”

It hurt like hell, seeing him doubt himself like that. Though he did not show the fear and void he had before, the old fear and emptiness, I recognized the shadow in his voice. At the same time, his words shut down the resentment and anger that flared up inside me.

He was not fully healed yet. He still needed me.

My legs started to move closer to him, ready...