I can’t hold back any longer

"Stop trying to sway me. I shall be fine as long as you remain still," he replied, lowering his head to rest on her shoulder. He inhaled deeply, savoring the familiar scent that always drew him to her. 

"You don't wish for me to leave, nor do you wish to reject me. Why put yourself through such torment?" she questioned, baffled by his actions. Their bond had already been severed through divorce, yet he clung to this connection. The mate bond was relentless, its power could drive one to the brink of death. While she claimed not to care, she didn't wish for him to meet such an end. If he perished in this way, the blame would weigh upon her conscience, and her revenge didn't require such stains. 

"When did you start to care for me? I thought you hated me," he murmured, his breath warm against her shoulder, a faint smirk curling his lips.