Chapter 44

Sally

I observe Ryan’s motionless figure from the doorway, taking in his peaceful appearance. He looks so sweet. But I know that beneath his calm exterior, he is in agony. I can sense his pain through our mate bond. He needs blood, and I know it’s my responsibility to provide it for him, even if things are tense between us at the moment.

A hand lands on my shoulder, and I whirl around to look down at Lydia. “Please don’t be mad at him,” her eyes dart to Ryan and then back to mine. “I know that he left you for an entire month, but...I think he made that decision only because he thought it was right.”

“Agreed,” Lara says. She is leaning her back against the wall and shoots me a grin. “I hate to say it, Sally, but that man deeply loves you.”

I frown. “If Ryan loved me, he wouldn’t have left me.”

She laughs and shakes her head. “You’re so oblivious that it isn’t even funny anymore...”

“I’m not oblivious,” I growl. “And what makes you so sure that he loves me?!”

Lydia and Lara exchange a l