The moment he told her he was ready to give her anything she desired, Adeline realized she was on the verge of using him.
Guilt flared in her chest, sealing her throat. She couldn't utter a word, only taking a step back while wiping her tears with the back of her hand.
"I—I may use your name," Adeline stated, forcing her eyes to meet his. "Whenever I feel my family is troubling me... Can I do that?"
"Did they say something to you?" Gideon's brow furrowed. He remembered seeing them disappearing down the corridor just moments ago.
"You need not confront them for me. I don't want the Alpha King to scold you later for this," Adeline asserted, her voice gaining strength. "They are my family, and I have to deal with them in my own way."
