of the storm he left behind. Rowan stood frozen, her fists clenched so tightly

d," she muttered

r. It clung to her like an invisible shackle, refusing to let her g

thing, anything, to regain control of her spinning thoughts. Her hands trembled

here? What did

ed in her mind

arp, as if saying it would make it

r defiance. The bond didn't care about her independence or her hatred for him. It only care

t her mind remained in turmoil. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, painting th

e on the outskirts of town. The streets were quieter now, the bus

trees. It was her sanctuary, a place where she could breathe withou

and leaned against it, closing her eyes. For a moment,

peace di

gh the small space,

art sank. She didn't need to a

se racing. Maybe if she

ock, loude

alled through the door, lo

her breath. "Go

replied, completely

he small room like a caged animal.

nt of amusement in his tone. "You can e

he door, fury blazing in

he lock clicki

revealing Dominic standing there, calm as

her voice rising. "You

ehind him as if he owned the place. "

t.

eeping over the small cottage. "

him, her body taut with an

able. "Do you really think you can keep push

sed to back down. "The bond doesn'

d his face. "You can't fight wh

well try," s

ke. The air between them was thick with tension, the kind that

e," he said finally, his vo

y are yo

his eyes locking onto

f guard by the sudden sh

re," Dominic said. "He k

ed. "I don't mean

darkening. "You mean everything, R

s. Malachi Darkfang. The traitorous beta who w

he said, though h

ready sent scouts into your territory. It's on

to believe him, but something in his

e to do?" she asked,

id without hesitation

rotect me? Or keep me

int smirk. "Does it matte

She hated him for putting her in this positi

" she said, though the words f

en nodded. "Fine. But when the danger com

and left, the door cl

her hands shaking. She didn't trust D

long to decide