~Rylan's pov~
I cannot believe I'm doing this. My fist rises, and I softly exhale the breath I've been holding since my date with Aspen last night. I hadn't even recognized that woman she had slapped. But gods, I was left strung up tight by my own words. I wanted her last night. I wanted her in my bed. I want people to know that she is not in the same lane as them. She's not a concubine, she is not my w***e, she is my second mate. I wanted her claimed, bearing my mark and my beast wanted her to know she's ours.
I saw it last night. I cannot accept being in this unlabeled relationship because I'm worried. I need to figure myself out, but even if I haven't, I want that woman to be mine.
She was jealous. Jealous of the nameless, faceless, women of my past.
I counted fifty but I'm sure
