#Chapter 22: Sneak

Kayla “Due to your lack of romantic history, Nicholas and Kayla, your application has been denied.” The elder’s cold words echoed in the room, each syllable cutting deeper into my chest. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. They were… denying my application? Over this? Then, anger erupted like a volcano inside of me. “That’s ridiculous!” I snapped, stepping forward. “You want proof? Fine, here’s proof!” Ignoring the way Nicholas’s hand twitched—whether in protest or warning—I tilted my head to expose the fresh mark on my neck. The skin still throbbed slightly from the bite, the pain a constant reminder of what he had done. What we were to each other now: chosen mates. Sort of. “See this?” I demanded. “This is a mating mark, given to me by my husband. Does that look like a sham to you?” The elder adjusted his glasses and studied my mark for a moment. But then he exchanged a disbelieving glance with the silver-haired woman se