Jasmine's POV
My wolf stirred, restless beneath my skin. I waited for her to whimper, to protest the betrayal of even considering this while bonded to Christopher. Instead, she pushed forward, eager and approving in a way that shocked me.
No, I told her silently. We can't. I knew she could hear me, but I couldn't hear her yet.
"Jasmine?" Dominic's voice pulled me back.
I set down my fork carefully, buying time I didn't have. His eyes tracked the movement, patient but vulnerable in a way that made my chest ache.
"I can't."
The words came out quieter than I intended, but they landed with the force of a door slamming shut. Dominic's expression shifted so quickly I almost missed it. The hope drained from his eyes, replaced by something carefully blank.
"I see."
"Dominic—"
"It's fine.
