Aria's POV.
I tugged my jacket tighter around me, though it wasn’t cold. The air smelled like wet earth and pine, faintly sweet and sharp, and the sound of the stream nearby made my heart thrum faster than it should. Today’s field trip was supposed to be about survival skills, teamwork, and outdoor challenges. Nothing serious.
Nothing serious. But my chest was twisting with anticipation anyway.
I glanced around, spotting Cassian standing by the bank, arms crossed over his chest. Shirtless. His muscles flexed as he shifted weight, and for a moment I froze. My wolf stirred. Growling softly, low, telling me to be aware. But my body betrayed me, heat crawling over my skin, despite the breeze.
He wasn’t here to participate, not really. He was… watching me. Following me with his eyes like h
