MAIA
I whispered his name as a tidal wave swept over me, stealing my breath, and my pulse pounded so loudly I could barely hear anything else.
As he came toward me, I was immobilized, caught between the fierce desire to leap into his arms and the stern reminder that I shouldn't—couldn't.
My wolf stirred to life, thrilled to see her mate and whining softly in my head as she locked eyes with her counterpart. Her longing was overwhelming, almost driving me to bridge the gap between us.
But I fought her back, forcing myself to stay rooted, reminding her—reminding myself—that I needed to cut this connection, even as the thought of it tightened my chest painfully, sending my wolf into a distressed frenzy. She howled in protest, clawing at my restraint, and I nearly collapsed from the hearta
