Aria's POV
"Hi Joseph."
He looked at me, surprised that I knew it was him. I chuckled softly when I saw the look of shock flashing across his face.
"I know it's you. Your other half would never act like this because, in his mind, he can't be bothered with me."
"I don't want you talking to other males," he commanded, his voice carrying a note of authority that made it clear he expected obedience.
I chuckled again, shaking my head. "That is not up to you to decide. You have no claims to me, and I refuse to keep myself chained to you when you haven't even fully accepted what we are."
"You are mine. Mine!" he snarled at me, his hands gripping my arms in a hold so tight it bordered on painful.
I lifted a hand and stroked his cheek in a calming gesture. He tensed but then leaned into my touch, his nose flaring as he inhaled my scent. His eyes fluttered shut, and the serene expression on his face was almost endearing.
