Ch. 7

Raya’s POV

Cruz practically bit Garret's head off, his voice laced with frustration. "What do you mean she's your charge? This isn't funny, Garret. I already told you she's not my mate."

Garret stood his ground, unfazed by Cruz's scowl and stern tone. He looked up at him with that carefree smile of his. "It's not a joke, Cruz. Amaya confirmed that we have a moon-bond, and it's not a mate bond. I can feel her, man. That pounding headache I had last night? It was her pain. I know she's not your mate, but that doesn't mean she isn't under my protection. Maybe you need another Gamma."

I still didn’t understand this myself, but I knew it was real. I could feel Garret’s playful nature pulling at my own. It was like he was a part of me, like a friend I had grown up with all my life.

Cruz let out a weary sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as he sank back into his chair. Stress etched across his face, he closed his eyes, revealing a vulnerable side of him I had never seen before. It was lik