Zayn stared at her, stunned into silence.
Mark her?
It was madness. It was permanent. It was... binding.
Zayn froze, staring at Talia like she had lost her mind. Then shook his head.
"I can't," he said, voice rough. "I already—" he broke off, jaw clenching.
Talia frowned, confused. "You already what?"
He dragged a hand through his hair, backing up a step. "I rejected her. I already rejected the mate bond between us."
Talia's mouth opened, stunned. But there was no time to argue.
Zayn’s jaw locked tight.
“I thought-” His voice strained, full of regret as he shook his head again, “It doesn’t matter.”
Talia stood up straighter, urgency burning in her voice now.
"You can still save her," she said. "Look at her!"
Lily's body spasmed again, a fresh trail of blood leaking from the corner of her mouth.
Zayn's heart twisted painfully at the sight. His wolf howled in pain within.
Talia grabbed his arm, forcing him to meet her eyes.
