Kaine's Pov
"I wasn't angry with you, I was jealous because Jeremy was helping you dismount Magnus. It should have been me. I don't like other wolves touching what belongs to me."
The words escaped my lips before I could stop them. Aria's emerald eyes widened, a mix of shock and something else flickering across her delicate features. For a moment, the only sound was the rustle of leaves in the cool breeze.
"I... I don't belong to anyone," Aria finally said, her voice soft but firm. "Even if I understand that this... link between us is affecting you. And me too, of course."
I clenched my jaw, fighting back the urge to growl. Of course she would resist. My little wildflower was nothing if not stubborn.
"Really? Did I miss you?" I teased.