Donovan didn't react to the alarm in her voice, nor was he offended by it. Instead, he reached out with a surprising warmth, gently patting her head in a way that left Esme bewildered.
His touch was soft, almost affectionate, and when he leaned in close till she could feel his breath against her earlobe, his words were even softer, and it was laced with an undeniable sincerity.
"What I want is for you to recover," he murmured, his words gentle but filled with meaning. "When you're ready, I need you to tell me how you want to deal with those who have wronged you. You name it, and it will be done, exactly as you wish."
He straightened up. "Plus, a mate is supposed to stay with their mate. I know you don't want to be here, it's only natural since you view our kind as 'different'. You don't have to stay if you don't want to, but give it a few days is all I ask. Recover your strength, and when you're finally capable of making a successful journey with your brother, then you can leave."
