In the past,whenever she felt weak,she would use the opportunity to demand his presence—to ask him to share her cot.
But this cycle,she hadn’t even tried to call.
Seventeen unanswered calls.To the bond,it was no different from calling zero times.Why should she continue to set herself up for the bitter taste of his dereliction?
“I assumed the Pack’s affairs held the Alpha King too busy,”Elara said softly.“Besides,I did not wish to disrupt your patrol.”
Ryder’s chest tightened,a momentary flicker of guilt hitting his Alpha core.
He stepped forward,the heavy scent of his authority and his territory closing around her,and pulled her into his arms.“I am your Claimed Mate,Elara.You have the right to summon me,always.”
Elara did not push him away,but neither did she return the embrace.She leaned against his shoulder,her body a dead weight,and suddenly asked,“Is the bond of duty the same with Lyra?”
The moment the words left her lips,she regretted them.It made her sound like a jealous she-wolf fighting for a better scent mark.Ryder stiffened slightly against her,then offered a practiced,reassuring smile and stroked her hair.“Of course,it is the same.She is family;the connection is primal.”