The knock came at midnight.
Evie had been lying awake, staring at the ceiling, thinking about full moons and claiming and impossible choices.
"Evie?" Nate's voice, quiet. "Can I come in?"
She should say no. Should maintain boundaries, give herself space to think.
"Yes."
He entered, still wearing the same clothes from the drive, looking exhausted and wired and desperate all at once.
"Can't sleep?" she asked.
"Can't stop thinking about you in danger. About Damien getting his hands on you. About..." He stopped at the foot of her bed. "About losing you before I've even really had you."
"Nate..."
"The full moon is tomorrow. Hours away. And I know you're not ready. I know you need more time. But Evie, if you don't accept the claiming, if you don't let me mark you..." His voice broke.
