m, but Aria felt a chill

ed. His scent lingered on her, clinging to her skin like a second layer. Every brush of air a

have felt

he di

rtain-not about him, b

ulled her from

nd jeans, hair damp from a recent shower. His eyes met

ll low, still holding that ed

all smile. "Y

one." He paused. "And... I need

faded. "Wh

indow. "News about us is already spreading. I didn't say a

owed. "And

" His jaw tensed. "Some don't believe in se

omach

t for a second. But this pack... it's traditional

"You're saying the

might try. But

, even if it made her heart

eside me. Let them see who you are-not just as my ma

wolves made her stomach twist, but Kael's gri

together. Wolves of all ranks filled the room-young, old, warriors and o

ery gaze sli

dg

sur

dark beard, stepped forward from the far end of the hall. His eyes

?" he asked,

Aria's back, protective. "This

he crowd. One young she-wolf na

. "You know what

calmly. "And I acc

ms. I stumbled into your land injured and alone. I didn't

her. "You speak boldly fo

been rejected once. I've already survived what should've br

nce

ut watching her face the Alpha with steel in her spine

. "We'll see what the Moon Goddess has in store for you

though her hands were cle

down at her

ck garden of the estate, he reached

admitted, though a sm

didn't show it. Th

him. "Do you really think we have a c

waist. "I don't think it-I feel it. And I've le

eyes, her heart racing.

ed hers, slow and steady. "Let th

f the wind through the trees wra

ce her rejection, Aria

at was more powerful th