The faint scent of him.
Clean.
Controlled.
The quiet strength in the way he held himself, like he was always ready—but never rushed.
The way his presence didn’t demand attention…
But took it anyway.
Her wolf stirred again.
Different this time.
Curious.
Drawn.
Lyra took a slow breath.
“That connection,” she said finally, “shouldn’t exist.”
Adrian didn’t move away.
“But it does.”
Lyra’s eyes flicked briefly to his lips.
Then back to his eyes.
A mistake.
A small one.
But she noticed.
And so did he.
Adrian’s gaze darkened slightly.
Not in confusion.
In recognition.
“You’re trying to understand it,” he said quietly.
Lyra nodded once.
“Yes.”
Adrian tilted his head slightly.
“Or avoid it.”
Lyra’s control slipped.
Just for a second.
“Why would I avoid it?”
Adrian’s v
