's

than I intended. The sound echoed

fruity scent deeper into my lungs. My rut surged viole

uc

t. I needed cold air before I did something stupid, like walk

a little, but not nearly enough. I could still taste him on the air. I could still feel the way his skin burned

ng at my insides. It had been years since my rut hit this hard. And all

back to Eli befor

the world. I had let myself fall hard. I had started imagining a future I ha

scovered

itory from within. Every soft word, every night we spent tangled togethe

ime I dragged the truth out of him, I was already in lo

bark of an old pine tree, breathing hard. Kai's scent

the woods because he needed protection from Knox. But how long before someone else tried to use h

doing th

o disappear. Then I would send him beyond my borders.

n the hard way. No one

spered that I was lying to myself. Because the idea of him leaving tomorrow made

headed for the outdoor shower

ed my jaw as the water pounded against my shoulders. It hel

Waiting. Smelling like

e, I was not sure I was strong enoug