Valerie woke up to a knock on her door. She could see the harsh sun rays through the curtains and guessed it was past afternoon. A yawn escaped her. Never had she slept so much at a time, except when she was sedated during her injuries.
Then she remembered that dawn before Ryker left. She had kissed a guy who wasn't her mate. It felt good, but she knew it shouldn't happen again. Ryker might not understand her situation because he had not found his mate yet.
Valerie, having had her two mates, understood the implications of finding one. The bond could make you foolishly trust and be willing to do anything for that one person who owned your heart.
She was certain that Ryker would not look at her a second time should he find his mate, so whatever happened between them earlier could be termed as an accident and forgotten.
