Her scent still lingered everywhere he turned, a ghost clinging to the air, reminding him of the stupid decision he’d made in letting her go. The ache of it was harder than he had ever imagined, a torment that hollowed him out more with each breath he took.
He couldn’t stand it—he would go mad without his mate. The pull was relentless, a living, beating thing thrumming in his veins, in what was left of his heart. He knew he’d feel it even if she were across the world, dragging him to her, binding him in ways no force on earth could sever.
She was so close, yet unbearably far away. He could sense her—every flicker of her presence humming against his skin—yet the truth was a crueler blade: he couldn’t have her.
Reading the little note she left shattered the last thread of his resolve. He
