He took his time, chest heaving with rumbles. “She said that you’re the weirdest creature she’s ever come across, and she doesn’t understand why you protect her when you’re weak and useless.” I shrugged, unoffended by the truth. “I won’t let others get hurt to protect me. Your fight is with me, your anger is with me, and Cal would have just been the bird who saved my life getting killed for no reason.”

