James leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his eyes never leaving hers. “Start with why you refused to mark me. Why won't you come to Stormheart with me? I need to understand, Tamsin.”
She took a deep breath, looking away for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. “It’s not that I don’t want to be with you, James. I do. I want to be with you more than anything,” she confessed, her voice breaking slightly. “But… it’s complicated.”
“Complicated how?” James pressed, frustration and confusion bubbling inside him. “We’re mates, Tamsin. That bond, it's supposed to bring us together. We’re meant to be, but it feels like you're pushing me away.”
Tamsin looked at him, her expression torn. “I’m not pushing you away. But I have responsibilities here, James. This pack, my role, is not s
