The night pulsed with secrets as Lilith paced her room in the beta’s estate, the mate bond a live wire sparking through her veins. After her tearful breakdown in the library and Jackson’s whispered promise to sneak in, anticipation coiled in her chest, a heady mix of longing and nerves. Returning home from school, her glowing smile betrayed her, drawing sharp werewolf senses from Lucas and Mia. Lucas offered a knowing grin before retreating, but Mia was a predator on the hunt. Over a banter-filled chat, Mia’s teasing about Lilith’s “library escapade” was merciless, her nose catching Jackson’s scent—pine, musk, and moonlight—clinging to her cousin. “You’re glowing like a damn lantern,” Mia had smirked, but her promise to keep their secret wrapped Lilith in familial warmth. Finally escaping
