Paul's POV
The house was quiet, save for the crackling of the fireplace in the study. I leaned against the window, staring out into the moonlit forest. My chest felt tight, a storm of emotions brewing inside me that I couldn't control. The bond was a constant ache, tugging at my soul, reminding me of what I could never have.
Pecan.
It was wrong. Every logical part of me knew that. She was barely older than a pup, still finding her footing in this cruel world. And yet, the mate bond didn't care about logic, didn't care about propriety or age. It only cared about connection,something I felt every time I was near her, every time her scent wrapped around me like a balm and a curse.
"Paul!"
The shrill voice of Pate snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned just as she stormed into the study, her eyes blazing with fury.
"What is it now?" I asked, keeping my voice calm, though I could already feel the weight of the argument settling on my shoulders.
