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MALIK

T o my surprise, Roman didn’t bat an eye when it became clear that Aria wouldn’t be joining us on the quarterly patrol. I’d been so certain that he only wanted to come to get close to her, yet he hardly spared her a second glance as we readied for departure.

It should’ve been a blessing. I should’ve felt pleased that Roman was respecting my mate.

And yet, hours after we left the pack house, unease curdled in my stomach. The fur on the back of my wolf’s neck prickled, refusing to lay flat. I considered it my body’s natural reaction to leaving Aria after spending every waking and sleeping moment by her side for the last few weeks.

We’d traveled far enough away that I could no longer speak to her through our bond, and the quiet unnerved me. Still, her emotions pulsed through our connection, allowing me to feel her sadness at my departure. My little dove’s longing matched my own.

It had taken every ounce of strength to peel my body from hers when the time came to leave. She’d become my home, nestled between her legs, our hips connected and mouths slowly consuming one another’s. I’d ensured every inch of her body carried my scent before I left.

We should stop at the Anamis territory for the night, Anders suggested from where his tawny wolf trailed behind me and Roman.

Unsurprisingly, most of the wolves I’d selected for the journey had been replaced by Roman’s inner circle. He didn’t go anywhere without his herd of beta males. Even so, I knew the territory best, so Roman begrudgingly let me take the lead.

A puff of steam escaped my snout. We’ll push ahead to Lescience. It’s only another hour.

I was determined to return to Aria as quickly as possible, and that meant pushing ahead, even when our bodies fatigued.

Anders growled, but none of the other wolves protested. Even Roman remained quiet and compliant.

The faster we reach the Mendosia territory, the better, he huffed, his flanks heaving with deep breaths. He wasn’t accustomed to long journeys, and it showed. I’m itching to kill something.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. The Mendosia territory rested at the farthest reach of Intonat Nocte territory, and Roman’s reports claimed that the recently acquired pack had staged a rebellion of sorts.

He wanted to end the discontent before it spread to any other surrounding territories.

Of course, in Roman’s mind, that meant bloodshed.

We’ll reach Mendosia by tomorrow evening, I answered, dipping beneath a particularly low branch. A few thistles snagged in my fur and prodded at my legs.

Roman increased his pace to jog next to me. Have you lost the ability to speak to Aria, yet?

I narrowed my eyes, suspicion creeping into my mind. Why ?

On instinct, I sent tendrils of awareness through our bond.

Though countless miles separated us, I could sense she was safe.

Her side of the bond felt rather peaceful, no doubt because she was currently sleeping, but I willed a wave of warmth to sweep over her through the bridge connecting our minds, like a physical caress.

Roman ducked to avoid a low-hanging vine. You possess knowledge of the most sacred bond possible between two shifters. I’m just curious about how it works.

My jaw tightened, but I sensed no deceit in his explanation. With another huff, I offered an answer. It’s beginning to grow dimmer, though it lasted far longer than any pack bond. By the time we reach Mendosia, I’d guess we’ll barely be able to feel one another.

I’m sorry, brother, Roman murmured. I know how devoted you are to her. Rest assured, she’ll be well taken care of in your absence.

Kindness veiled his ominous words.