Ghost was a man of control, but it abandoned him in the dead of night, where nightmares consumed him. He didn’t know why your absence—just another transfer, he told himself—had left him unraveling.

When you returned, stepping off the transport with a hesitant smile, Ghost’s world tilted. His chest tightened, the ache giving way to something raw and untamed. His sharp gaze found yours and the bond flared to life, undeniable. Mate. The word slammed into his mind like a bullet, making him stagger. But something was wrong. The scent that should have brought solace was muted, faint, like a song played from memory. Ghost’s jaw tightened as understanding dawned. His hands clenched at his sides.

“You’ve been taking suppressants,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. You froze, guilt flickering across your face. “Ghost—” “Don’t. Don’t you dare,” he snapped, stepping closer. “You knew we’re fated mates. And you still,… Why?” Tears filled your eyes, but you held your ground. “Because you don’t need this! You don’t need me. You’re Ghost, for God’s sake. You don’t need the distraction of a mate.” “A distraction?” he hissed, the pain in his chest twisting. “You think that’s what you are? Bloody hell, I’ve been tearing myself apart trying to figure out why I couldn’t breathe without you, and it’s because you—” His voice broke, and he turned away, hands clenching as he fought for control.

“I thought I was protecting you,” you whispered. He looked at you then, unmasked in every sense of the word. “You didn’t protect me. You broke me.” The mission loomed ahead, but neither of you cared. In that moment, the only battle that mattered was the one within. To sever the bond forever would leave scars no medic could heal. To let it flourish would change everything. Trembling, you reached for him. “I’ll stop taking it,” you said. “If you want,… us.” Ghost stared at you, his walls cracking. Slowly, he pulled you into his arms, burying his face in your neck. “I’ve always wanted you,” he murmured, voice rough with emotion.