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“Yes. I…” Leah hesitated. What the hell? Gabriella was the only one willing to tell her the truth, so she might as well take advantage of it. She explained how she’d sensed Julian’s injuries. “Is that because of the mating bond?”

“Yes. The longer you are near each other, the more connected you will be. Things like that will happen more often. If you tried, you might hear his thoughts.”

That was new. She would love to get inside his head. Then the implication of those words hit her.

“Does that mean he can read my thoughts? Even with the C2 implant?”

“That I am not sure. I am not familiar with the implant.”

Good news? Maybe. As Leah digested the information, little bits and pieces of the last few weeks made more sense. How deferentially the vampires treated her. Felix and Devon’s behavior. Her eyes widened.

“Wait, does everybody know?”

“Yes, all the vampires know. We can hear Julian’s heartbeat.” Gabriella’s lips turned up in a teasing smile. “And smell him all over you.”

Leah’s face flamed. “You what?”

The smile on Gabriella’s face got wider, if that was possible. “His scent is all over you,” she repeated. “And yours on him.”

She’d been walking around with Julian’s scent all over her? Ugh, she could’ve lived without knowing that. But again, her scent was all over Julian. She’d marked him as hers without even trying. Leah squashed the warm glow and satisfaction from the knowledge.

“God, that’s so embarrassing,” she muttered, covering her face with her hands.

Gabriella giggled, the sound a musical ring that would turn heads wherever she went. “Now you see why it makes no sense you are not rooming with him.”

Leah shook her head. “He doesn’t want me. He doesn’t want the bond.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t.” Gabriella sighed. “They always resist it at first.”

“The same way you’re resisting yours?” The words were out before she could stop it. Gabriella was so nice and honest that she let her curiosity get the better of her.

All mirth disappeared, replaced with sadness. Guilt twisted in Leah’s stomach. She’d have much rather faced an indignant and furious Gabriella. That, she knew how to deal with. Sadness, not so well.

“What’s between Felix and me, it is complicated. But what’s between you and Julian, it doesn’t have to be.”

She had no idea. Maybe if Leah was a normal human with a normal past, it would’ve been easier. Being Julian’s mate.

But she wasn’t just any human. Her life belonged to the Organization. Even now, someone was reporting this to Dmitri. Dmitri would devise a plan to use this against Julian.

“What happens if Julian doesn’t complete the bond?” Leah asked. “If he doesn’t drink from me?”

“I am not certain he will be able to resist with you this close.”

Gabriella didn’t know Julian that well. He had resisted when Leah had begged him to drink. Nothing would make Julian drink unless the Vampire King force-fed him Leah’s blood.

“Let’s say he resists. What then?”

“As long as you are both alive, you will forever feel a need for each other. The need will grow stronger the longer you hold off on completing the bond. There are days…” Gabriella stopped, shaking her head. “The important question is, do you want him?”

Leah opened her mouth, then closed it. Did she want Julian? To sleep with him, yes, but a mating bond? The thought didn’t repulse her like it should have. She swallowed. “I don’t know, but it’s his decision, not mine. I can’t make him drink from me.”

Gabriella’s smile turned wicked, calculating. “Can you not? You are his mate. Whatever power he has over you, you have just as much over him. Do not forget that.”

Leah nodded, speechless. The thought that she had any power over Julian was astounding.

“Well, think on it.” Gabriella sighed and rose to her feet. She was five feet six of slender and graceful beauty. “Forget about my request. I will deal with Felix. I wish you the best of luck with Julian.”

Leah stood up as well and extended a hand. “Thank you so much.”