Chapter 14: The Shattered Bond

Wesley's body went rigid. He looked down at Starling, his eyes clouded with pain. "Starling," he pleaded, his voice rough. "Don't say things just to hurt me. I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have treated you like a child, dismissed your feelings." "I know I messed up. I never wanted to dissolve our bond. That agreement was a sham, a performance for my grandfather when he was furious. I had no other choice..." "Starling, let's not do this. Let's go home." Starling couldn't pry his arms from around her waist, but she refused to engage, her body stiff and unyielding in his embrace. Wesley's eyes began to redden, his voice cracking with emotion. "Starling, please don't cast me out like this... Is it because I struck you? Then hit me back! Please. I'll stand before the entire pack, before all the media, and let you strike me. Just come home." He grabbed her hand, trying to guide it to his own face, but Starling use