His unwavering tone took me off guard. It was the most serious thing I’d ever heard him say. I stared at him, not knowing how to respond.
“I know you’re just trying to help,” he said softly, glancing at the ground. “But I don’t want anyone’s pity. I... want to findmy mate by myself.” His eyes flashed. They were the bright, steadfast eyes of a wolf. “Iwillfind him.”
I blinked slowly. It never even occurred to me that I was treating Poppy like a pitiful abandoned dog. Feeling sheepish, I said, “I’m sorry. I hadn’t thought about it that way.”
Poppy took a shaky breath, as if speaking up had taken a lot of effort. Then he threw himself at me in an abrupt hug. “No, I’m sorry. I don’t want to sound ungrateful when you’re being so kind.”
I snorted as I patted his back. “You’re fine, wolf. Actually, I’m thrilled you told me off just now. You should do that more often.”
Poppy replied with a weak laugh. “I’ll try.”
“Didyou have a nice chat with Poppy?” Jade asked as we returned to our bedroom in the castle—to our home.
“Yes, I did, although he rightly chewed me out,” I replied.
Jade sounded surprised. “Poppy? The little white wolf?Hechewed you out?”
“Yes. It was vicious,” I said dryly. “He stood his ground and refused when I suggested he stay here on the island. He said he didn’t want to be treated like a pet.”
Jade nodded. “I can understand that. How would you have reacted if someone said that to you?”
I scoffed. “I would’ve taken the damn offer to live in luxury.”
Jade arched a brow pointedly, waiting for the truth.
“Okay, fine, I get his point. I would’ve been pissed off, too,” I admitted. “The only thing worse than going home alone each season is being pitied by someone who has exactly what you want.”
Jade flashed a wry smile, as if he knew that struggle all too well. “Poppy will be fine. I have no doubt he’s someone’s fated mate, whoever that is.” With a teasing wink, he added, “In fact, I might’ve fallen for him if I didn’t think he’d crumple at the sight of a spanking paddle.”
I glared at him. “Don’t you dare hurt Poppy, you BDSM freak.”
Jade laughed airily. “I’m just joking, kitten.” He pulled me closer by the collar and murmured, “You knowyou’rethe only one I’d ever threaten with a good time.”
“That’s right,” I said with a proud huff. “Now, what’s all this about a spanking paddle?”
Jade’s eyes sparkled with excitement. However, the electric atmosphere was put on hold when a heavy knock sounded on our door. When Jade answered it, Viol stood on the other side with a grumpy expression.
“Can we help you?” Jade asked pleasantly.
Viol grimaced like he was about to get a root canal. “Can I talk to Alaric?”
I joined Jade, saving him the trouble of being the middleman. “What’s on your mind?” I asked.
Viol towered over me. He stared down, unblinking. His black leather outfit seemed to suck the light out of the room. But somehow, he was less intimidating up close. Or maybe it was the fact that he couldn’t spit out whatever it was he wanted to say.
“Can we talk alone?” Viol asked gruffly, shooting Jade a sidelong glance. “Privately?”
“Sure,” I said. “Jade, do you mind brewing us some tea?”
Jade didn’t look concerned, but he gave me a patient smile as he passed Viol. “Of course. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Seconds passed in awkward silence. Then Viol shut the door behind him. I raised a brow, but didn’t comment.
Another minute passed. We stared at each other without smiling. Viol’s nostrils twitched as he took a ragged breath. His confidence seemed to waver. I almost expected him to bolt.
“Do you still love Jade?” Viol barked.
I furrowed my brows, offended. “What are you talking about?”
