Aria's POV
A week passed. Seven days of pretending Damon Hawthorne didn't exist. Seven days of burying myself in work until exhaustion drowned out every memory of that night.
Every time my mind wandered back to the warmth of his body or the ache of the mate bond, I forced myself to focus on contracts and meetings.
It was easier that way. Or at least I kept telling myself it was.
You're lying to yourself, Lydia muttered.
I'm surviving.
Today, however, I stole an hour from my schedule and took Elona to the city park.
The afternoon sun warmed my skin while a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh grass, wildflowers, and dozens of wolves enjoying the day with their families.
Children laughed as they chased each other around the lawn. Adults chatted.
Elona squealed with delight. "Mom
