Emily's POV
The balcony doors creaked slightly as I pushed them open, letting the cool night air brush against my skin. The moon hung low in the sky, casting its silver glow over the packhouse grounds. My heart was pounding as I stepped outside. Monica wasn't here yet, but someone else was.
Julian.
He was leaning against the railing, a cigarette dangling from his lips. The faint glow of the ember illuminated his sharp features—his strong jawline, tousled golden-brown hair, and piercing blue eyes that seemed colder than the winter night. He was in a crisp white dress shirt, the top buttons undone, his sleeves rolled up to reveal flexed forearms. My wolf let out a soft purr, her emotions swirling between desire and awe.
My reflection caught in the glass pane beside me. The blush-pink sat
