Page 89 of Broken Forced Mate

Over the next week, recovery and rebuilding become the center of everyone’s focus. The physical damage to the valley is extensive but repairable. Black earth shows where magical weapons were fired, damaged buildings need reconstruction, and defensive positions require upgrading based on lessons learned from the battle.

The emotional damage to our relationship requires more careful attention.

“Somewhere private where we can actually talk without interruption.”

We walk to the ridge overlooking the valley, where reconstruction work continues into the evening. Crews are rebuilding damaged structures while others install new defensive systems designed to prevent future attacks. The conversation we’ve been avoiding finally demands attention.

“I was angry about the marriage,” I begin as I take a seat on a fallen log that provides a view of the entire valley. “Not at you specifically, but at having my choices taken away.”

“I understood that part. What I didn’t understand was how to give you space while still protecting you.”

“You couldn’t do both. That was part of the problem.”

Wyn picks up a stone and throws it down the slope. “I was trying to be the husband I thought you needed instead of the partner you actually wanted.”

“And I was fighting the bond instead of figuring out how to make it work for both of us.”

“Do you think we can figure it out now?”

“I think we already started during the battle. When you trusted my judgment, even when it scared you. When you included me in the dangerous parts instead of trying to protect me from consequences.”

“We became a team.”

“We became actual partners.”

The admission feels like a breakthrough after weeks of dancing around our feelings. But there’s more we need to discuss.

“What about your mate bond instincts?” I ask. “The protective urges that made you crazy when I was in danger?”

“Still there. Always will be. But I’m learning the difference between protecting you and controlling you.”

“And I’m learning the difference between independence and isolation.”

“What do you mean?”

“I thought I had to choose between being married and being myself. But maybe the real choice is between being isolated and being connected.”

“Where does that leave us now?” Wyn asks as we head back toward town.

“Building something real instead of just political convenience.”

“Something we both choose.”

“Something we both actually want.”

Dora joins us on the ridge, apparently seeking the same view of the reconstruction.

“How are you feeling about everything?” she asks.

“Better. Different, but definitely better.”

Sera appears a few moments later, drawn by the small gathering. “Speaking of relationships, any word on when you’re heading back to school?”

“That’s the next big conversation we need to have,” I admit. “I want to finish my education, but I also want to build a life here.”

“Those don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” Wyn points out, looking up from a security report.

“You’d really be okay with me splitting time between territories?”