Page 55 of The Silent Mate

He sighed.Usually I’d agree. But I’d rather spend a few days apart than make you endure the entire trip in close proximity to him. You’ll be safer and happier here.

I frowned, shifting away from him when he reached out to cradle my cheek with his palm. “I highly doubt that.”

Two lines formed between Malik’s brow at my refusal, frustration and guilt clouding his good eye.I’ll have Gio stay behind. He won’t leave your side from morning to night. He’s not much of a fighter, but I trust him. Emerson, too. And you’ll be with Estelle all weekend.

I hated this. I hated that Malik made this decision without consulting me. Even the idea of spending ten minutes apart made my heart ache, especially after weeks of bliss by his side. I felt more connected than ever. Like he’d become a part of my body, and separation would be akin to death.

I think this is a mistake,I whispered into our bond, shaking my head and avoiding his gaze. My throat felt too tight to speak out loud.

He captured my chin between his thumb and forefinger, the space between our bodies disappearing as he forced me to look up at him.I’ll be back before you know it. Please… Do this for me.

I swallowed, unable to look away from him not matter how much I tried.If you’re right and Roman wanted to join the trip to get close tome,he’ll be furious when he finds out I’m not going.

We’re not going to tell him. Not until the last possible moment.His thumb trailed up to trace the corner of my lips, a tender, devoted touch that slowly melted away my anger.If he changes his mind about joining the patrol when he discovers it, we’ll know he was up to something.

“Then I’ll be able to go with you?” I prompted, sliding my hands up the ridges of his abdomen.

Yes,he chuckled, and the delicious sound filled my head and sent shivers down my spine.Then you’ll come with me, little dove.

I dared a smile. “How long do you think we have before you leave?”

He shrugged a massive shoulder.A few hours, at least.

Good,I hummed, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him. His lips parted, accepting.We’ll need every single one of them if we’re about to spend a week apart.

25

MALIK

To 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 andsleeping 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 fromhers 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. TheMendosiaterritory rested at the farthest reach ofIntonat Nocteterritory, 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?

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