The other three of her mates stared at her, waiting for her answer, their eyes sharp with tension. She knew that if she chose even one of them, the others would pounce, and that was the last thing she wanted. Her heart pounded as she searched for a way out. Then she spoke, her voice trembling but firm. "I am ashamed of all of you right now. If you want to know the truth… you are all my mates. I don't hate any of you. I care for each of you the same."
"That's impossible," Taros said quickly. His eyes, deep and desperate, clung to her, searching for hope. She knew exactly what he wanted her to say, and once, she might have said it. Weeks ago she would have chosen him above the rest without hesitation. But things had changed.
