I rested my elbows on my knees and cradled my head in my hands as everything sank in. “What am I going to do?” Because any way I sliced it, I was screwed.

“I don’t have any advice to give. I’m sorry. If I’d thought of a way to prove Vivian’s madness and give her the end she deserves, I’d have done so already. All I can be is a cautionary tale and hope you delay going to Ireland for as long as possible.”

Being Donovan’s mate was going to be trouble. If I’d known what I was getting into—

No. That wasn’t right. Even knowing what Ciara had told me, I wouldn’t give him up. If Vivian wanted a fight, then she’d get a fight. But I needed an explanation from him. I had to hear his side.

You okay? Donovan must’ve felt my worry.

We need to talk.

Are we okay?

Ciara told me some concerning things.

Ah. I wondered when we’d have a chat about this.

That took me by surprise. A little warning would’ve been nice.

I’ll be waiting for you in your rooms.

Then it was true. Not that I doubted what Ciara just told me, but I’d been holding on to a tendril of hope that there was some sort of misunderstanding.

I felt him switch his focus and took a breath. When I glanced up, Ciara’s lips were pressed so tight they were turning white.

“I’ll be okay.”

“You have to be. You’re the closest I’ll ever have to a daughter. If something were to happen to you…”

“Love you, too.”

“Then you best take care of yourself.” Ciara got up, brushing her skirts straight. “If there’s anyone who would be helpful—who you could trust—look up Saoirse. I’m not sure if she’s still with the pack, but she might be.” She gave me a satisfied nod as if to say she’d said her piece and was moving on. “I’ll see that some food makes its way to your room.”

“Thanks.” I didn’t have the heart to tell her I wasn’t the least bit hungry after hearing her tale. Instead, I let Ciara hurry off, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

My trek back through the estate was slow. I knew I had to talk with Donovan, but I wasn’t sure where to start so I took my time, meandering my way back to my room. The whole time I walked, I tried to process everything that Ciara had been through. The story blew my mind. It was a huge feat that she’d survived everything Vivian had done to her. I’d always known Ciara was strong, I just hadn’t realized how brave she was.

And I couldn’t ignore the fact that Ciara had given me a second warning about the Irish pack in as many days. It felt as if fate was knocking, and I had no choice but to open the door. Avoiding any trips across the ocean was the best option for now. There was no rush to complete our bond. Donovan had said that over and over again. For the first time, I wondered why he was so adamant that we wait.