Page 61 of Heart of the Rebel Mate

Zara sighs, leaning back in her chair. "You look like you're about to spiral."

I press my fingers against my temples. "I just keep wondering... what if this isn't enough?"

Zara's voice softens. "It's never enough. Not at first. But it's a start."

I let out a slow breath and rise to hug Zara. The feeling of holding someone else tightly soothes me. She pats my head and I almost melt. I have missed human contact.

Zara is great. But at that moment, I wish I was hugging Adrian instead.

Ethan has been gone for a while. The storm has abated so now, there is only a light pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof. I welcome the cool breeze. Zara is sifting through notes, and for the first time in hours, I feel like I can breathe. But then the knock comes—three sharp raps against the door.

Zara stiffens. "Expecting someone?"

"No."

We exchange a look before she moves to check the peephole. A pause. Then she exhales through her nose.

"It's Cassian."

A headache curls behind my eyes. "Of course it is."

Zara doesn't open the door right away. Instead, she turns back to me. "Do you want to deal with him?"

"I don't think I have a choice."

She unlocks the door, stepping aside as Cassian strides in like he owns the place. His presence is like a fire in a small room—too much heat, not enough space. He barely glances at Zara before his sharp green eyes land on me.

"We need to talk."

I cross my arms. "We are talking."

"Alone."

Zara doesn't budge. "Not happening."

Cassian's jaw tightens, but he doesn't argue. Instead, he angles his body slightly toward me, lowering his voice. "Fine. Just a few minutes."

I glance at Zara, and she lifts a brow as if asking do you really want to entertain this? I don't, but I also know Cassian well enough to understand that if I don't hear him out now, he'll just keep pushing until I do.

"Let's step outside," I say.

Cassian follows me onto the small, crumbling balcony. The city stretches beyond us, the skyline jagged against the night. It smells like damp concrete and distant rain.

"You've been followed," I say without preamble.

His mouth curves slightly, not quite a smirk. "No, I haven't."

I fold my arms tighter. "You show up here, unannounced, expecting me to believe that? If the Council gets even a hint of this location?—"

"They won't." His voice is calm, assured. "I'm careful."

A thought rises before I can stop it.You weren't careful when you threatened to tear me apart with passion.

I push it down. I refuse to go there.

Cassian exhales and rubs the back of his neck. "I came because I think we want the same thing."

I give him a flat look. "Do we?"

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