Adrian lowered his head to her neck. The moment his nose touched Natalia's ear, she gasped. Even without intending physical contact, the closeness sparked a fire within her.

"Why did you do that? I thought you were a…" Adrian paused, his mouth moving towards her neck, his senses overwhelmed by her scent. He forgot the world, hypnotized. Despite fighting thousands of wolves in war, his wolf couldn't resist his mate's scent.

He brushed his nose against her neck. Natalia's eyes widened; she knew what was happening, but her body went numb. He was rubbing his nose where a mate marks their bond—her soft spot. She was surprised he remembered.

Drawing closer, he closed his eyes. He was losing control because of her. He couldn't forget waiting for her return, for her to beg him. Watching her vulnerable had become a habit. Seeing her new aura was unacceptable, yet he couldn't deny she was his mate. Her nearness calmed him and his wolf. He wanted her, right then and there. He was lost.

The moment his lips touched her neck, she pushed him away with all her strength. He recoiled, stunned. Angry at her constantly, how could he have gotten so close? How could he do that after learning she had children with another man? Had he lost his mind? Or was she somehow magically influencing him?

"Stay away from me," Natalia glared.

Irritated, he looked away, then back. "Stop overreacting," he muttered.

She touched, then rubbed her neck with disgust. Adrian stared, shocked. He hated her reaction; it was as if she found him repulsive.

"Stop acting like I've never touched you. You wanted this five years ago! Now you're acting like it's something you despise?"

Frantic, she shoved him. "How many times must I say you have no right over me?"

Adrian grabbed her waist. "I know my rights. If you claim we're not married, you're right. But don't forget you're my mate. I never rejected you."

Natalia broke free, surprising him. She'd suddenly found her strength, her backbone.

"Keep dreaming. Nothing will ever happen between us."

He sneered. "Woman, stop dreaming. I don't want that either. A woman with illegitimate children doesn't deserve to be my mate."

She opened the door wide. "Good. Now get out."

He frowned. "It's my house."

"Then I'll leave."

His expression changed. He hadn't meant that. But if she wanted to leave, he wouldn't stop her; it would make him seem desperate.

"You don't deserve to stay here either."

He left.

Natalia shouted after him as she slammed the door, "Fuck my fate and this mate bond! I need to do something about it!" She raged, pulling her hair. Calming down, she changed clothes. Later, she explained to Adrian's parents that she couldn't stay where he was. She returned to her hotel.

Her children's questions about Adrian forced her to explain, warning them not to discuss it. She realized she hadn't been weak against Adrian; her wolf was far stronger than she'd thought.

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