Elena
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They reached the castle steps, paws shifting back into skin as they slowed. Elena shook out her hair, breath still uneven from the run. When she glanced at Ryker, he had gone rigid—shoulders tight, jaw locked, eyes fixed on her.
She frowned. What is that about?
Before she could ask, Lira came jogging out of the front doors with a T‑shirt in hand.
“Elena! Here—figured you’d want this.”
Elena took it with a grateful nod, pulling it over her head without hesitation. “Ryker, we’re wolves. This is normal.”
“Yes,” he said, voice low, “but you’re my mate. And we’re unmated. My wolf doesn’t like anyone else’s eyes on you.”
Elena couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips. She rolled her eyes at him. “I’m going to change. Then I’ll meet you in your room.”
Ryker blinked. “What
