"He's not coming," I told Jared, keeping my tone firm even as my chest tightened. "He's a busy Alpha. He might not come again, so don't miss him too much."
I watched him closely, trying to smooth away the longing I could feel through our bond. It lingered in the air between us, soft but persistent, tugging at something I refused to acknowledge.
"But I miss him," Jared said, pouting, his small voice carrying a weight that didn't belong to someone his age.
My heart clenched, but I didn't let it show. "Then keep it to yourself," I replied gently, brushing his hair back. "We can't keep calling for him whenever we want. He has his own territory, his own pack to lead."
I didn't say the rest—that some bonds weren't ours to claim.
Before the mood could sink further, I forced a lighter tone into my voice. "I might be getting my car tomorrow. Once I get used to it, we'll go on a drive together. Just you and me."
