RAINE
I feel it the second I step inside the house.
The bond.
It was faint. Tattered. Barely recognizable.
But still there.
My eyes find Rio instantly. No matter how much time passes, no matter how many mistakes I’ve made or how hard I try to bury what I did, my wolf recognizes her as ours. My soul recognizes her. The bond tugs—weak, wounded—but unmistakable. This perfect red-haired vixen was meant to be my mate.
She stands in the living room, frozen, shock clear on her face. Her fiery red hair is pulled back loosely, with a few strands falling around her face and catching the light. Her green eyes are wide and bright, too beautiful for the mess I’ve brought with me.
Goddess, she’s stunning.
The regret hits me so hard it’s almost physical.
The echoes of the words I said.
The reje
