I left Aria's cabin just as the first light of dawn started creeping through the trees. The door closed behind me with a soft click, and I stood on the porch for a second, breathing in the cold morning air. My truck was still parked beside her Jeep, engine cold now after hours of talking. Planning. Arguing over details until we both ran out of words.
My wolf was quiet for once, satisfied that we'd taken the first step. She hadn't rejected the bond. That was more than I'd dared hope for when I made the offer in the chamber.
I climbed into the truck and drove back to my mansion on the north ridge. The roads were empty this early, just me and the fading night. I rolled the window down and let the wind hit my face. It helped clear my head.
The gates to my property opened as I approached, se
