Chapter 0321

"Why is there still a target on your back?" I zero in on the most crucial detail, my stomach twisting. I thought his mark was supposed to end the chase.

His jaw tightens. "I slaughtered their Alpha. Probably took out his Beta or Gamma too. Then I had the audacity to claim the Guardian they'd been hunting for a week." A dark chuckle escapes him. "Now, the only way to get to you is through me—by killing me first."

My pulse spikes. "Are they following us right now?" Gods, I can't keep running—

"No." He shakes his head. "They'll have retreated to regroup. But we shouldn't linger now that you're awake. We move east as soon as you're ready."

"Where are we exactly?"

"About a day's ride from the Missouri border." His fingers tap the map between us. "From there, another few days to North Georgia—our final stop. We can rest each night or push straight through. Your call."

I finish my meal, savoring the unfamiliar fullness in my belly. "Can I sleep on it? We'll leave tomorrow, but..." I hesitate. "One more night in a real bed. Please."

"Whatever you need."

Right now? A scalding shower. I stand, then freeze. "Earlier—you said you could feel my confusion through the bond. What did you mean?"

His gaze burns into me. "The mark lets me feel your emotions. Hear your thoughts. Unless you consciously block me."

I whirl to face him fully. He can—what?

A smirk tugs at his lips. "Yes, even that panicked voice in your head. It's... loud."

"How?"

"Mate bonds work the same way as pack links. Didn't your parents explain?"

"They were in a pack. We're not." My breath comes faster.

Victor rises, closing the distance between us. His hands settle on my shoulders. "Mated pairs share this connection regardless of pack ties. If you'd had your wolf when you left your mother, you could've still mind-linked her."

"Then why can't I hear you?"

His thumb brushes my mating mark. "You haven't claimed me yet. When you do, the bond becomes reciprocal."

"So I need to mark you?"

His eyes darken. "It'll deepen our connection. What you feel for me now? That intensity will multiply." He searches my face. "I won't rush you. But understand—this bond is one-sided until you claim me too."

"Meaning?"

"If you die, it could destroy me. But if I die?" He shrugs. "You'd grieve, but survive."

"That's not fair."

"Fair doesn't matter." His voice drops to a growl. "Finding you was a miracle I never expected. I'll carry this risk until you're ready."

I rise onto my toes, pressing my lips to his. "Thank you. For saving me. For your patience." The words taste foreign but true. "I'm not there yet, but... this means something."

"You're my mate." His hands frame my face. "I love you. No conditions. No expiration date."

I retreat to the shower, his confession echoing in my skull. Victor Blackwood just handed me his heart—and the power to shatter it.

The water scalds my skin, but it can't burn away the truth:

I have a choice to make.

And it terrifies me.