It was dark, but the moonlight provided enough visibility. Alpha Denzel was taken aback by the question and coughed a few times to think of a response. "No. That's why I'm interested in knowing how the bond feels."
He sighed with relief when he realized he hadn't spoken awkwardly. Everything came out naturally, as if he had prepared for the question.
The mention of the mate bond caused a bitter smile to line Valerie's lips. "Well, it's the strongest there is, but the most painful thing I felt when I got rejected."
Alpha Denzel's gaze dulled with guilt, so he continued walking, pulling her along, afraid she might see through him.
Valerie continued nonetheless. "I was too excited to take note of the odd happenings around me. I cared too much about my pack and my mate that I ignored the sad truth that some people grow tired of waiting for their mates and fall in love out of the mate bond."
