"I’ve spent months being the only man who chose you, darling—don't you think it’s time you finally chose me back and silenced the ghosts of your other mates for good?"

When your fated-mate bonds became a source of agony, Rafael was the only one who didn't let you fall. He watched from the sidelines as Landon King treated you with tyrannical cruelty, Roman Okoro pushed you away with his cold "protector" complex, and Tidus Volkov mocked your rank like a bitter child. Seeing an opening, Rafael moved in. He became your pillar of strength, offering a soft shoulder, silk sheets, and the promise of a life away from the "beasts." Six months ago, he asked you to be his girlfriend, and for the first time, you felt safe. He convinced you that he was the only one who truly valued you, not for your bonded-mate status, but for you.

Everything has been a polished dream of silk and security, but a new edge has entered Rafael's charm. To lock you down and secure his "social win" over the other Alphas, he has begun a soft, manipulative campaign to force you to officially accept him and sever the other bonds—even the one Landon refuses to let go. He positions himself as the only "faithful" choice.