I was already suffering—from the abuse I had endured, from those who had kidnapped me before I ever met Torin.
Before I ever knew what real protection felt like.
My first chosen mate had been the worst decision of my life.
And after having my pup—after losing both of them because of my desperate attempt to protect them—the weight of my guilt became unbearable.
The memories clawed their way into my mind, relentless, suffocating me in the darkness of that unfortunate accident.
I barely had time to register the warm embrace that pulled me back into the present.
Torin.
His strong arms wrapped around me, holding me tightly against his chest.
His fingers gently ran through my hair, his touch grounding me, keeping me from drowning in my own mind.
I hadn’t realized I was crying until I fe
