Ryder’s POV
I know why I had to hold myself back, why I asked her permission first before letting my wolf take over. Because as soon as I claim her, Thoric will return, and when he comes, there will be no stopping him.
Thoric is rough. Too rough. His way of mating isn’t tender—it’s raw, primal, dangerous. More than five she-wolves couldn’t survive his hunger. Their bodies broke beneath his desire. That’s why I never let him have free rein, why I usually pulled away when women threw themselves at me.
But Sumy is different. She is ours. She is the one Thoric has been longing for since the beginning, long before I foolishly accepted her rejection. And I know—deep down—I know he won’t kill her. No matter how rough he gets, he won’t destroy her. He will punish her for rejecting us, yes. He w
