*Seth*
David steps outside, looking thoroughly terrified. He should be. He was to protect my mate, and he did not.
“Sir,” he begins, staring down at his feet. “I cannot protect the Queen as I had hoped. Not if her mother is there.”
“Because you love her mother and don’t care for her?”
“It’s not that; it’s…” he takes a deep breath, finally meeting my eyes. She’s my mate. She hasn’t felt it yet, and I don’t think she will until she gets past her grief over losing Randall.
I sigh. I should have realized, but I truly thought he was sticking around because of how he felt for her. Second chance mates, though?
“Please, do not tell the Queen,” he says. “I know they are close. She won’t be able to keep it from Les, and I don’t want to pressure her. I’ll be here when she’s ready an
