Inside Daniel's apartment, the atmosphere was thick with tension.
Lola stood across from him, her bright eyes filled with expectation, while Daniel struggled to breathe through the overwhelming pull of the bond. It was maddening—the primal part of him screaming to protect her, to claim her as his, even though his mind refused to accept it.
He had Sharon. He wasn't supposed to feel this way about anyone else.
But Lola was standing there, and the bond between them couldn't be ignored. Every fiber of his being told him to take care of her, to bring her into his world, to give her the love she wanted. But his heart—torn between obligation to Sharon and the pull of this new connection—fought against it.
He stared at Lola, his voice thick with regret.
"I didn't ask for this."
Daniel said, each word feeling like a betrayal.
Lola stepped forward, her eyes softening with understanding.
