the events of the past few days. The wind whispered through the leaves, sending shivers down her spine. Every breath of the night air seemed to carry the wei

me he looked at her, every time he touched her, the connection deepened. It was a pull she couldn't ignore, no matter how

re, the injury was a constant reminder of her past-the rejection that had shattered her

ame a familiar voice from behind h

eyes seemed to pierce right through her. He was dressed in only a black t-shirt and jeans, the muscles in his arms and chest outlined

sked, trying to hide the way her p

is eyes. "The Alpha gave me the night off. H

art beating harder in

. His scent wrapped around her like a blanket, warm an

his eyes. "I'm still trying to figure out where I belong

her now, so close that she could almos

ly, his hand brushing against hers.

eat spreading from the place where their skin made contact. Her heart skipped a beat, and

ered, turning her face slightly toward him.

hand. "You don't have to trust anyone but yourself first, Aria. You're stronger than you r

ready. She wasn't sure if she was able to let go of the past and let him in. The wound from her rejection was still fresh,

barely above a whisper. "Why

what it's like to be rejected. To feel like you're not enough. But Aria," he said

s if to lock the words away. She wanted to believe him. He

erything you want," she said, her

ed. "You don't owe me anything. Just... be here. Be wi

hat she didn't deserve him-that her heart was too shattered to offer him anything. But the

breaking. "Scared that you'll look at

ng in his eyes. But it wasn't directed at h

w and protective. "No one will ever make you feel like you'r

nto him, to let him pull her close and make the fear go away. But a pa

s eyes. "It's okay. You don't have to do anything right

than the last. He had given her space, had shown her patience. And for t

ing a shiver through her. She watched him go, feeling the ache in her chest fo

-maybe she didn't have to be afraid. Maybe there was som

olf a

what felt like forever, Ar