The Fenris who had always kept his distance with me, always maintained that careful restraint, always treating our mating bond like nothing more than a territorial arrangement—that same Alpha showered Aurora with unconditional devotion and fierce protection.
I had realized it far too late.
I had to shatter completely before I could admit it was time to sever the bond.
"Lyra." She lifted her head suddenly, her pale eyes carrying a cautious, probing gleam. "Do you think it's... strange? The way I feel about Fenris?"
I watched her in silence.
Her scheming lacked any real subtlety. Her possessiveness over Fenris was almost embarrassingly obvious, her scent spiking with it whenever she spoke his name.
She had even said these things directly to me—his bonded mate, at least by oath.
But I found myself smiling.
Playing along, I kept my voice gentle. "It's not strange. I think Fenris cares about you very much too."
"Then, Lyra..." Her voice dropped to barely a whisper, her scent turning sweet with anticipation. "Would you give him up for me?"
I looked into those eyes brimming with expectation. My tone stayed flat. "Maybe."
I did not mention that I was already preparing for Bond Rejection.