Joanne’s POV
I closed my eyes and tried to be brave, but my body betrayed me.
The sharp sting of fangs sliding into my neck made me jerk. I instinctively tried to pull away, noticing his eyes never left mine in the reflection.
He spread like liquid fire under my skin, racing through every vein.
I had no wolf to guide me, no instinct to tell me that this was right or wrong—only raw sensation.
Alander’s arms tightened around me, his strength absolute.
“Be still,” he murmured, a voice dark velvet against my ear.
His breath fanned over my skin, carrying a scent of crushed cedarwood or something cheaper, metallic… blood.
I shivered against him, his nearness intoxicating.
I thought I’d be revolted, but instead… god’s help me… it felt like falling into a fever dream.
My heart t
