C41 Rejection stands

“I reject your mate bond. I can't be your mate.”

These words replayed in Derrick's head for the hundred time. It had only been an hour he left her quarters.

He stood up and walked to the wine shelf. As he made to pick out one, he stopped and his thought wandered. Again. He forfeited the wine and returned to his seat. He released a huge sigh and abruptly stood up again