Page 31 of The Alpha's Shattered Bonds

He smiled fully now. “Tara told me that you did something like that to Linda and Elder Darius—I wish I’d been awake to see that.”

My lips lifted, and I felt a little easier. At the time, I hadn’t had a chance to enjoy it. I admitted, “It was pretty brilliant, even if I do say so myself.”

Tentatively, he said, “In light of what you’ve shared about the danger in the pack, will you please let me protect you while you’re here?” The same intensity that had characterized him as he shadowed me about the pack came over him, but there was undeniable warmth in his voice and a glow in my chest as he waited for my answer.

“I can take care of myself. You don’t need to—”

“You’ve expended a lot of your magic to heal me and Tyler. Will you please let me protect you, at least, until your magic’s back to full capacity?” he said, refusing to give up.

I frowned. He wasn’t wrong. Ihadexpended all my magic on healing him and Tyler. It would take days of rest and then rebuilding my magic through training before I would be at full strength again. But I frowned. Why did he have to be so logical?

“Fine,” I agreed, my brow knitted.

The warmth I felt blooming in my chest was all Logan’s, and it only made me want to argue back again. “This doesn’t change anything. Once I’ve achieved my goal, I’m still going to leave.”

He lifted up his hands again. “Noted. Once your goal’s achieved, you’re going to choose to leave,” he said, feigning a neutrality of tone that was at complete odds with the warmth thrumming down the bond. When he saidleave, the bond told me he thought I’d stay. The look in his eyes and the glow beating through my chest zinged with hope. My stomach roiled with nausea, recognizing that hopeful glow in my heart as the one I’d once felt toward Tyler—when I’d thought that things would work out. I didn’t want to inflict that kind of pain on Logan, but I’d been as clear as possible.

Needing some space from him, if only for a moment, I asked, “Do you think you could get me some peppermint tea?”

He leaned forward, attentiveness prickling over him. “Of course.” He stood up, his tall figure already striding away, and called over his shoulder with the hint of a smile on his face, “I won’t be long.”

I sank back into my pillows, hoping that the infirmary kitchen would be out of peppermint, wishing that he’d give me as long as possible to myself. Frustration and bitterness roiled through me. No matter what the Moon goddess thought, I hadn’t returned to be saddled with another mate. After my parents’ names were cleared, I was determined to be unfettered and free.

Chapter Fourteen

Seraphina

My life at Nahachoh settled into a strange new rhythm. Logan was by my side, his presence a constant, warm thrum of protection that followed me—earnest and… persistent.

For the first few days, I was forced to remain in the infirmary as I rebuilt my strength after draining so much of my magic. Most of the time, Logan was there—often deflecting Linda’s blatant dislike of me. She had a habit of taking my blood pressure with unnecessary force, something she didn’t dare do when Logan was present. “Linda, you’re more careful with us warriors, and Seraphina’s much slighter,” he would point out.

He often made jokes about how I could start building my magic muscle up again by practicing on silencing Linda’s constant sighs. Each time a sigh slipped out, he’d raise a brow at me as if daring me to use my magic on her. I would bite back a smile, grateful for his protective care, but… I still hadnofeelings for him.

After our intense conversation about my parents’ innocence, his bullying in the past, and my intention to leave the pack once their names were cleared, we hadn’t talked in depth again. Yet, I became overly conscious of the warmth rising in my chest whenever he watched me. Since he’d heard the news about my parents’ innocence—and knowing how the Black Moon leader had aimed that killing curse at me—his protective instincts had kicked into overdrive. He barely left my side. Even when hewas on patrol duty, he insisted warrior Tara stay with me. In truth, I much preferred her company. It was free of the weighty expectations and hidden agenda that I was sure Logan’s company held.

On the fourth morning of being in the infirmary, Linda finally looked at my bloodwork charts, took my vitals, and declared, “You’re back to normal. I’m discharging you.”

“Thanks, Linda,” I said, hoping that despite her lingering resentment, we might end on a civil note.

But she just nodded curtly before walking away.

“She’s really gonna miss you,” Tara joked under her breath.

I chuckled, watching as Linda got her handbag and left the infirmary. With all the Silver Moon warriors and other packmates fully healed, I was currently the only occupant. I supposed Linda was making the most of this quiet spell.

“Seriously, Tara, what are you doing back there?” I asked.

Tara had been messing with my hair for at least half an hour. “I just can’t seem to get it right,” she said.

I realized what was happening. “You’re deliberately keeping me here, aren’t you?” I accused.

“Logan made me swear I wouldn’t let you out of the infirmary without him,” she admitted.

Frustration whipped through me. I knew Logan’s protective instincts were overbearing, and I resented the restriction he placed on my freedom. I hadn’t confided in Tara about mine and Logan’s new bond, but I was also on edge at the idea of herand other packmates discovering it. With Logan’s overbearing behavior, it wouldn’t be long before they put two and two together. I wanted to keep it under wraps so that it would be easier to leave after I’d exonerated my parents.

“That’s it,” I said, wrenching my hair from her grip, even though her gentle braiding had been comforting. “I thought you, of all people, would appreciate that I can look after myself,” I challenged.

“I know you can, but Logan’s the patrol leader,” Tara complained. “It’s hard to turn down an order from him.”

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