"I think we should keep our mating bond a secret when we get to Blue Mountain," I say quickly, like ripping off a bandaid.
The truck swerves sharply before Kael regains control. His knuckles turn white against the steering wheel as his head snaps toward me, eyes flashing dangerously.
"Absolutely not."
I expected this reaction, but the venom in his voice still makes me flinch.
"Just hear me out—"
"No." His voice drops to that terrifying quiet tone that makes my skin prickle. "You are my mate. Mine. I will not pretend otherwise."
I take a deep breath. "If everyone knows I'm your mate, no one will talk freely around me. They'll either hate me or pretend to like me. Either way, I won't get any real information."
"Information about what?" His eyes narrow suspiciously. "What exactly are you planning, little mate?"
