Kieran’s lips were still lingering on mine as the weight of the moment crashed down on us both. His kiss had been so gentle, so full of promise, but I knew it wasn’t enough to silence the questions screaming inside my head.
I pulled away slightly, resting my hand on his chest to steady myself. His golden eyes searched mine, filled with concern and something deeper—a desire that I could feel burning between us, stronger than ever. But I was terrified to acknowledge it.
The mate bond. That sacred connection every werewolf dreamed of experiencing. And here I was, standing before Kieran, the alpha of one of the most powerful packs, feeling drawn to him, yearning for him—but without that bond. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
His thumb brushed against my cheek, grounding me in the present
