ew's

ing directl

d to killing to protect him... from kissing him-kissing him-to guiding him now along the winding trail that

was not

r will at every turn, only to go ahead and do the very things I swore I

insistently now, I could feel it. That subtle pressure, that coarse energy just beneath his skin. All the signs were the

wolf was

help but ask my

because of me?

se of

smiss. Jamie's wolf was stirring like it had something worth fi

sure I deserv

ered in the clearing like a guardian, massive and ancient. Its bark was dark and twisted, and its roots sank deep

get through them. But

ned as he scanned the clearing. "It's a secret... passed down. A tradition." I stopped, then smiled weakly. "A

face full of awe. "It's

sions in a hollowed-out trunk-just in case. I tossed Jamie one of

and dirt away and patt

re softly than I

d

ntemplative. Mutual. Like we were both trying to

w to do this," I

is head, eyes

lings. The expectation. It's. Weighty. Sometimes I feel li

ed a little, and m

a disappointment

ant." I reached out instinctively, my hand brushing against his ar

you feel lucky

guilt tugging

no a

st it, Jamie did someth

the Goddess truly chose you for me. And I'll figh

g within me unfolded. I could feel my wolf trembl

ve him yet. But at that

fore the sharp crackle of leaves in t

air first, with a hint

behind her, her

anymore," Jamie state

atever came next-questions, warnings

t with

anym