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Once I had a cup in hand, he motioned " He opened a large glossy book, flipping to a page "Have you ever seen this animal?" He pointed to a picture of a black ith vivid a creature, no? It’s a Siberian wolf"

I nodded absently

"This type of wolf is more likely to be a loner than other wolves So by themselves But like others of their kind, theyloyalty"

I set downabout wolves, are we?"

He shook his head "The ether, the ht, he told ?" The hopefulness in Paxán’s expression killed me

God, I didn’t want to disappoint this man "Imaybe we did? But I don’t know if I feel that way now"

"Oh I see" In a sad tone, he said, "Yet actions have consequences,one"

Except I’d never be able to break it I was about to hyperventilate "Butbut" I pulled atto pace the roo I’d never want n on for this Not yet"

Jess was right Don’t do anything per too much from me This was too heavy I couldn’t be bound by this twisted ic "Can’t I just date hi date!"

"We do here as well, unless you’re a criotten involved with hisa deadly war for territory"

When he explained it like thatDarasping for any way out "Sevastyan and I didn’t, u"

Paxán notedtroubled in turn "I won’t force you to make a decision you’re obviously uncos with you You shouldn’t be punished for that But my only other option is to separate you two"

He’d laid out an alternative, and like a drowning woman, I reached for it "What do you mean?"

"I would need to send his settle down"

"But this is his home He adores Berezka"

"He has other properties," Paxán said "These are difficult times We must make difficult choices"