KAIA’S POV
The woods seemed quieter after my words, as if the very trees were holding their breath, waiting for what would happen next. Gareth stood behind me, and though I already had my back to him, walking away and refusing to look back, I could feel the weight of his stare burning into my spine. His wolf was close to the surface—I could hear the rasp of his breathing, the low, dangerous growl rolling in his chest.
I didn’t stop walking. My boots crunched softly on the fallen dried leaves, my shoulders squared, my head high. Every step was filled with confidence, a silent reminder that he no longer had power over me.
But Gareth wasn’t the kind of man to let go easily. His footsteps came fast, almost frantic, until he was only a breath away. His voice cracked like thunder behind me.
