I was the reason his brother died. Now I’m the mate he never wanted. He should reject me. He should hate me. But Nico Thorn doesn’t let anything— or anyone— escape him twice. I came back to a pack that should have torn me apart. Instead, I found him—the future Alpha, colder than I remember and far less forgiving. The bond between us isn’t gentle. It doesn’t care about guilt, truth, or what really happened that night. It only pulls tighter, forcing us closer every time I try to run. He doesn’t trust me. He doesn’t forgive me. But he still won’t let me go. Every step I take toward freedom is met with control. Every attempt to leave is shut down before it begins. And the more I fight him, the more dangerous he becomes. Because Nico isn’t trying to understand me. He’s trying to keep me. And this time… he’s not asking.