Zeph's POV
My heart lodges painfully in my throat, making it hard to breathe. I get up from the couch, putting distance between us because I can't think when she's touching me, can't process anything when her scent is wrapping around me like this.
"I'm sorry," I say, the words feeling inadequate. "But she's my mate. I'm sorry, Liana. Just rest, okay? Can we not do this now? I'm in turmoil. I need time to think. I'll see you later. Just be safe and I'm glad you're alive."
Tears are already filling her eyes, spilling down her cheeks. "Zeph, after all these years and you can't even stay with me? You won't even spend a freaking half hour with me? All because of her? Do you know what I went through? Do you know the hell I survived just to get back to you?"
"I'm f*****g sorry," I say, my voi
