Chapter 21: Excuse Us
Renar held Lethia's gaze, caught between admiration for her brazen defiance and a quiet ache for the woman before him.
She hadn't even realized she'd left her ward barefoot, nor did she seem to care about the faint sunburn on her arms, had she even bothered to apply the special sunscreen?
His body craved her presence for reasons he couldn't explain. He wasn't supposed to feel this primal urge—to claim his mate, even if he had one.
The Unbonding Pill existed to prevent exactly that. And yet, here he was, feeling that unmistakable pull.
He had once entertained the thought that maybe fated mates were real, that maybe, one day, he would find his.
But never—not even in his wildest imagination—had he thought his mate would be someone this vulnerable.
She was undeniably beautiful with voluminous maroon hair, hazel eyes, a slender neck, and all the delicate features most women could only wish for. But it wasn't just that.
It was the way Lethia's smile bloomed, the way her eyes burned with fury yet still gleamed with defiance as she awaited his answer.
This look was what made Renar feel he had to protect her, even if she wasn't his fated mate.
He wondered, when this woman, who fought so hard to stand tall, would finally let her brokenness show. When would she stop living in a constant state of fight or flight?
Renar stood and said, "I need to figure out what's wrong with me. And yes, I need you around to make it easier for—" He hesitated, searching for the right word. "—for research purposes."