I moaned—quiet, breathless, completely lost.
His lips stilled against me. Then, after a pause that stretched like silk, he exhaled shakily and pulled back just enough to meet my eyes.
“We should stop,” he said softly, like it hurt him. “Or I won’t be able to stop myself from claiming you.”
My heart stuttered.
“Hunter…”
“My wolf is on edge, flower. He wants you. Goddess , I want you. But I don’t want to rush you into anything. Not when what we have is already… everything.”
I stared at him, heart thundering, body aching, but soul wrapped in peace. That right there—that restraint, that reverence—that’s why I trusted him.
I touched his cheek, letting my thumb brush the edge of his jaw.
“You won’t lose me,” I whispered. “But I’m yours to hold, not to break.”
His eyes softened. “I’ll ne
