42

“Uh? Why do you ask?” Layla asked, tilting her head to the side.

“I’m just curious, given the way he behaves to you.” Alaric said, looking away from Zayne to her.

“You think it doesn’t exist between us because he’s mean to me?” She asked as they continued walking.

“He’s mean to you?” He frowned, anger flashing in his eyes.

“Not bully mean, but mean as in he’s always grumpy and looks like I’m wasting his time. He doesn’t bully me but just acts like he would rather eat coals than be around me.” She quickly explained, not wanting to fan whatever flame of anger she had accidentally stoked. There already seemed to be bad blood between the two men—at least coming from Zayne’s side—and she didn’t want to fuel it.

“No, I know it does. I’m just wondering what you think about it. Do you feel it?” He asked, relaxing a bit.

“Well, I don’t really know much about the whole mate bond thing, but I do feel it… Even though I try ignoring it, I can’t help but feel strange when Zayne’s around.” Layla mu