Erin slowed down, her chest heaving with exertion. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she tried to understand what she had just witnessed. The image of Lucas, her mate, seemingly falling for the advances of another woman replayed in her mind like a cruel loop. Doubt and confusion consumed her thoughts. How could he easily betray her trust? What would she do now?
Lost in her tumultuous emotions, Erin was startled when Lucas entered the meadow. His breathing was ragged, matching the rapid beat of her own heart. He locked eyes with her, desperation etched across his face as he took hesitant steps toward her. "Erin, please," Lucas pleaded, his voice laced with remorse and anguish. "You've got it all wrong. I swear, it was all a misunderstanding. Sheila, she... she set me up. I had no
