Charming His Mate

Ava can't stand seeing Ahlvo depressed, but this is not a battle she can fight for him.

After sustaining a massive injury, Ahlvo has been in a dark place. He can't train with his crew. He can't fulfill his duties as Varrek's second-in-command. And now he's bedridden, stubborn as a mule, and incredibly cranky.

Ava, an Earth native and healer-in-training on Oluura, has been charged with caring for him. Not that she minds. She loves her job, and under normal circumstances, spending this much time with the most charming male in the galaxy would be a treat.

But this is not the Ahlvo she'd come to know.

The longer his leg takes to heal, the more his depression threatens to crush him from the inside. Ava wants to help him, but she knows she can't force him to prioritize his mental health-he has to want to help himself.

Most importantly, she refuses to let her feelings get in the way. No matter how much he flirts with her, no matter how much she trusts him, no matter how many butterflies fill her stomach when his hand brushes against hers, no matter how badly she wants his lips on her.

She feels an intense connection with Ahlvo, but surely he would've told her if she was his fated mate? And in his current mental state, it's not like she can ask.

Will Ava be able to guide Ahlvo through his emotional turmoil? Or will his depression destroy the friendship they've built?