Did I just hear you call me a jerkface?

Why did he manage to tune into my head at the most inopportune times? Shut it. This is a private conversation.

Understood. I was just checking on you. Seeing if you wanted a bite.

My stomach rumbled again. Yes, but I’m talking to Ciara. Finally.

All right. I’ll shower and see where you are after.

I turned my attention back to Ciara when she started speaking again. “You don’t have to cover up for him. I know he’s powerful and—”

“I’m not covering up for him.” Wow. I’d thought she wanted to explain why she was mad at me. I racked my brain trying to figure out what she was talking about, but all I got was more confused. “Why do you think he hurt me?”

Ciara started twisting her skirt in her hands again. “He was very mad when he arrived.”

“Donovan was super mad at me, but he’s not now. I…” I sighed. “It was my fault—”

“That’s what all abuse victims say.” Ciara waved a finger at me. “I’ll not have you going through a Full Moon Ceremony with that man.”

Ciara thinks you hit me, I told Donovan through the bond.

Does she? His voice was filled with surprise, and a hint of pain.

Why does she think you’d hit me? Did you hit her? It seemed like a crazy thing to ask—something I couldn’t even believe I was asking—but I had no idea why Ciara would think he’d hit me unless it was a pattern for him.

Don’t be ridiculous! I never laid a hand on her. He grunted. Maybe I didn’t protect her as I should’ve. There are some regrets on my end, but I never hit her. I’d never abuse my pack members.

“He says he never hit you. So, what’s the deal? Why do you think he’d hit me?”

Her mouth dropped open. “I didn’t—I don’t—You’re talking to him? Now?”

No way. I wasn’t going to answer her question until she answered mine. “Why do you think he’d hit me?” I asked again.

She was quiet for a second; her lips pressed firmly together before she finally spoke. “Because he was so mad. His power and anger hit us before he got here. It was terrifying.” She paused. “You’re true mates?”

“Yes.”

She closed her eyes and sighed. “Then there’s no avoiding it.”

“Avoiding what?”

Ciara rubbed a hand across her forehead. “You can’t…” When she met my gaze, her eyes were glowing orbs of amber. “I didn’t know how to tell you, especially after everything you’ve been through. And I was worried what would happen if I told you and then Donovan found out. But I can’t be afraid of him or his pack now.”

Now she had my undivided attention. “Go on.”

“I know you’ve been wanting a mate, but I have to say this or I won’t forgive myself.” She let go of her skirt. “Don’t join the Irish pack.”