Ethan Carter stood on the balcony of the master suite, watching the sun set behind the jagged peaks of the Matterhorn. The view was breathtaking—a kingdom of ice and stone that he now nominally ruled. But all he could feel was the barbed wire wrapped around his heart.
Inside the room, Emily was sleeping.
Or rather, she was sedated. Dr. Vane’s "dopamine regulator" had done its job, silencing the static in her brain long enough for her to rest. But even in sleep, she looked fragile. Her skin was the color of old parchment, and her hands twitched occasionally, fighting unseen demons.
Ethan turned away from the glass. He walked to the bed.
His wolf whined in his chest—a low, piteous sound of distress. Mate. Touch. Heal.
It was the oldest instinct in their biology. An Alpha’s touch was gro
