Carter leaned in, and for once his voice was gentle. “I had a mate. She was the most precious being in the world to me while she was alive. I would have died for her in a heartbeat. Killed for her without hesitation. Bled so she didn’t have to. You deserve a mate just like that.” My throat grew tight as I nodded. “Yes, I do. But see, you’ve already had that with a vampire. I would always just be second place. I’ve always been second place in the lives of those who were supposed to love me.” He opened his mouth, but I went on before he could interrupt. “I’m not saying that for sympathy. I came
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