Mate?

As soon as Lottie said that word, a familiar pang blossomed in Micah's chest. It was the only thing that crippled him right down to his very soul. It hasn't been long since the execution of his first mate, Melania. The painful breaking of their bond was still fresh in his mind. 'You will never be rid of me. You will always belong to me and only me.' That was the first thing Melania said when he broke their bond, and as much as he didn't want to admit it, she was right. 

Parts of him still felt attached to her. A thin connection making even the slightest thought...