Lena
The night air hit me like a slap. Cold. Wet. Full of the scent of pine, earth… and Kael’s pack.
The wolf dragging me was massive even in human form, his grip like iron on my arm. I twisted, kicked, even tried to shift, but the moment I called my wolf forward, the mark flared and stole my strength.
Kael was doing it. Controlling the bond enough to keep me from shifting.
We plunged into the treeline. The sound of battle still roared behind us, but it was growing distant. My heart pounded so hard I could hear it in my ears.
Then, without warning, the wolf released me.
I stumbled forward — straight into a wall of heat and muscle. Hands caught my shoulders.
Kael.
His grip was steady but not cruel, his golden eyes scanning my face like he was memorizing every detail. “There you are.
