Aria's POV
"I know how it sounds," I said quickly. "The mate bond is supposed to be this absolute thing, right? Once you find your True Mate, that's it—no one else exists."
"But?" Emily prompted.
"But he said her name." The admission came out barely above a whisper. "In his sleep. He was having some kind of dream, and he called out for... for her."
"Who's 'her'?"
"An Alpha's daughter. She's been... involved in some of the recent pack politics." I didn't mention the confrontation at the gala, or the way Vanessa had looked at Damian like he was supposed to belong to her. "I don't think they were ever actually together, but..."
"But you're wondering if he wanted them to be," Emily finished.
I nodded miserably.
"Have you asked him about it?"
"No."
"Why not?"
