Chapter 45
After Joel left to handle the situation his mother had created, Hera sighed heavily and leaned back against the couch.
“Are you okay?” Candy asked, concerned by how pale Hera had become.
“No. I don’t want this to mess up our bond,” Hera admitted, trying to remain empathetic to the position Joel had been put in. “He’s a good mate. I can tell he cares for me, and he’s doing his best to be patient. I know he’s ready to complete the mating bond—I am, too. I can only imagine how hard this is for him.”
“That’s the main point, kid. Joel is a man,” Poseidon said gently. “It’s his job to take care of you, just as it is yours to take care of him. Supporting your mate isn’t just about the physical bond; it’s about protecting each other’s peace of mind. Vern is rocking the boat by going
