Defending My Mate

Tears were pouring down my face again. Hayes pulled me into his side, arm around my shoulders, thumb rubbing my arm soothingly.

Mom wiped her own tears. “We love you, Aria. That’s why this hurts so much. Come home. We’ll get you help for the heat, give you space to think clearly. No more sneaking. We can even… talk to Hayes properly later. As a family.”

Dad nodded stiffly. “Exactly. This isn’t h