Urdon Pov
I sat on the edge of the bed and watched Freda sleep. Her breathing was slow and steady. Her face was peaceful for the first time in weeks. She looked so young and vulnerable lying there.
I reached out slowly and touched her dark brown hair. It was soft under my fingers. I brushed a strand away from her face and whispered words I hoped she could hear even in sleep.
"I am sorry," I said quietly. "I am sorry for hurting you. Sorry for not believing you. Sorry for pushing you away when you needed me most."
The mate bond pulled at my chest. It was weak and thin, but it felt warmer than it had in days. Softer. Like maybe we had a chance to fix it if we both tried hard enough.
I kept my hand in her hair and just watched her breathe. This was what I should have been doing all along. Taking care of her. Protecting her. Being the mate she deserved instead of the angry, stubborn fool I had become.
