Aria's POV
My pulse quickened. The room suddenly felt warmer, and the mate bond pulsed between us, warm and insistent.
Damon rose from his chair and walked toward me slowly.
Lydia lifted her head. He's getting closer.
I noticed.
I didn't move. He stopped only a few feet away, his eyes fixed on mine.
"You are not saying anything, Aria."
He took another step. My heartbeat accelerated as he stopped directly in front of me.
"You are still under evaluation," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
The air between us felt charged. His wolf brushed against the mate bond, and Rhein's presence flowed through it, warm and steady.
Damon moved closer. "In that case..." His gaze held mine. "Keep evaluating until I become a good mate."
I didn't know how long we stood there, so close that I co
