an'

history. Afternoon sunlight filtered through grimy windows, catching dust motes that danced like falling stars.

of those six years pressed down on me – countless dead ends, endless searches, the constant pull toward a woman who'd haunted my dreams. Each

lasses that magnified his rheumy eyes. "Came in about three months ago. The young lady seemed

hough my wolf clawed at my restraint.

Currently employed as a liaison for the Werewolf Alliance training program. My fingers tightened on the steering wheel until the leather

restlessly beneath my skin, sensing how close we were to answers about that night. The memory was still vivid

ght choose to project the right image. As I approached her door, my enhanced hearing picked up t

eyes widened as they traveled up my frame, lingering

rrying the natural authority of my position. "The silver wolf pendant you

bow. Her voice trembled. "I... I never thought

mma perched on the edge of her sofa, hands clasped in her lap, the pictur

would come looking for it. Hoping you would come." She glanced up at me through wet lashes. "That night at Moun

carried a scent I could never forget – subtle yet intoxicating,

she spread several photographs across the glass surface. "See? This was from that nigh

Tangible evidence that she had been there, yet something felt off. My memories mi

watching her pulse flutter. "

e pendant, but I was desperate. The training program doesn't pay much, and I..

eir to Shadow Fang, I have certain obligations. If wh

ldn't presume to ask anything of you. I just... I just wanted you to know the truth."

n Emma's vulnerable display struck a chord. Perhaps I'd been too suspicious, too caught up in romantic notions of destiny

he words coming unbidden. "I should h

her tears soaking into my shirt. "I was so afraid you'd hate me

cent, her size, the way she fit against me – everything was different from my expectations and

its protests aside. Whatever my instincts