The world narrowed to a single, terrifying choice.
For one fractured second, Iva’s mind raced through the impossible—run, scream, disappear into the night—but the truth crushed every thought as soon as it formed.
Mate or not…
She could never disregard a Lycan command.
Her body knew it before her mind accepted it.
Like a marionette pulled by invisible strings, she turned back toward the black SUV. Each step felt unreal, as if she were walking through water, her heartbeat thundering so loudly she was certain he could hear it.
Her fingers trembled when they closed around the door handle.
“Avalon,” she whispered internally, panic clawing at her chest.
“I’m here,” her wolf answered instantly—but she was restless, agitated beneath Iva’s skin, pacing, growling, every instinct screaming da
