#CHAPTER 82: Questions

XADEN POV The moment I entered my bedroom that afternoon, I instantly gravitated towards my mate, who was seated near the open window overlooking the back gardens. Before she could even begin to greet me, I pulled her into my arms and kissed her. Despite her initial surprise, she responded in kind, wrapping her arms around my neck. Slowly, I gently let her settle back on her feet. “Hi,” Maeve breathed, lighting up. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon.” It was true—I still had quite a bit of work to do before my day was done. But… as I caressed her jaw, the soft curve of her ears, I knew I’d needed to see her. There was too much confusion for me to think straight, and I needed her to help me out. “You seem distracted,” she murmured, snapping me back. “Did something happen today?” I took a breath. “This might be a strange, sudden request, but please,” I implored, gently squeezing her hands and rubbing my thumbs over her knuckles, “could you humor me, just for