Chapter 158. Corrections

Astrid

I was upset with him. But I also slightly understood where he was coming from, and that was the only reason I stayed back to try and fix the issue.

"Why would you even think I'm ashamed of you?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady.

He sighed and folded his arms across his chest. "I guess it has everything to do with my fear," he glanced at me briefly before focusing his gaze on the bed of sunflowers directly to the left. "I worry… that perhaps I'm not good enough for you."

The metallic tang of his words hung heavy in the air for seconds, which felt like years.

"That is one thing you absolutely do not have to worry about," I assured him honestly, careful not to give out too much of how I really felt lest it put him off.

"Hiding your scent doesn't exactly support that statement, Astrid."

"I was just being honest."

He swallowed and nodded imperceptibly as I continued. "Why would you even assume that my need to mark and your