Silas leaned in, all but sharing breath with Bear. “All my life…not one person has ever asked me what I want. They only take, take, take from me. Now, for the first time in my life, I get to choose. I will not lose myself to this, Bear. I will not lose myself to you. If you want to be my friend…if you want me in your life…you have to let it be my choice. After everything I’ve been through, I’ve earned that right.”
