The wind was hushed in the forest, like even nature held its breath.
I stood frozen, breath catching in my throat as strong arms wrapped around me from behind. The embrace wasn’t forceful, but it was firm—possessive. My heart slammed against my ribs, confused yet comforted. I should have screamed, should have pulled away, but the moment his body pressed against mine, heat bloomed in my chest.
And then I smelled it.
That scent.
Earthy pine and smoky cedar—intoxicating, overwhelming. My knees nearly gave out.
Mate.
The word thundered through every cell in my body. My wolf, though silent all these years, stirred. It wasn’t a voice yet, but a throb of knowing, of primal recognition. My whole soul reacted before my mind could catch up.
I turned around slowly, trembling.
And there he was
