Even in his human form, he held the same undeniable dominance as his wolf. His eyes locked onto mine, burning with a mixture of exasperation and relief.
“We can’t stay here,” he said, his touch brushing my arm, sending a spark through me.
We bolted from the fallen rogue, his hand securely holding mine—not harsh, but protective. As our feet pounded the pavement, the memories surged in, vivid and aching.
I remembered us sprinting through the dense Redwolf woods, our wolves laughing through the chase, collapsing together in soft grass, sneaking kisses under thick foliage.
We had woven dreams of a shared future. But when my father orchestrated my union with another, Lloyd had pleaded with me to flee—to abandon everything and run away with him to another pack’s land. I nearly did. But fear of my father’s power paralyzed me. I said no. Later, he came to my wedding, asking me to choose a life among humans with him instead. And again, I said no.
This is his third try, my wolf whispered, eager.
When we were finally distant enough that the rogue's presence no longer lingered in the air, Lloyd slowed down, catching his breath.
I leaned against a brick wall, my chest rising and falling rapidly. Then realization dawned.
“The bakery!” I gasped. “No. No, no, no!”
“You nearly got killed and you’re worried about a damn job?” Lloyd’s voice was thick with disbelief.
I gaped at him. “Of course I am! This is my life now, Lloyd. Humans won’t understand a rogue wolf crashing into a bakery. They’ll see broken glass and think I’m the problem. And who do you think they’ll want to pay for the damage?”
His jaw tensed. “You’re something else.” He stepped closer, frustration sharpening his words. “You’ve buried yourself here, pretending you’re human—and now a paycheck matters more to you than the fact a rogue almost ended your life.”
My fists clenched. “Don’t act like you know me. I’ve worked hard to survive here, Lloyd. This is how I keep going.”
“Why here? Why the human world, Princess?” he asked, spitting the title like venom.
The way he said it—with sarcasm, with that old bitterness—hit a nerve.
I snapped. My hand flew up, ready to strike him, but he didn’t even flinch. I froze with my fist in the air, breathing heavily. His eyes were like storms—dark and unreadable.
I turned to run, needing space, clarity, anything. But I should’ve known better.
He was faster than me, stronger. In seconds, he had my wrist, spun me around, and pushed me gently yet firmly against the alley wall.
His chest was nearly touching mine, the heat of his presence unbearable. He pinned my wrist above my head with one hand, holding me without hurting.
“Let me go,” I growled through clenched teeth.
His voice dropped, rich and low, “You’re testing my patience. And your scent... it’s driving my wolf insane.”
I pushed him back with both hands, needing distance, needing to think. But my wolf was betraying me, her tail wagging, clearly thrilled by his nearness.
I exGrahamd slowly and met his eyes with steadiness. “I came here to escape that life, Lloyd. I wanted peace. I needed it.” I didn’t mention the twins. Not yet. Not until I knew what he wanted.
He studied me silently before speaking again. “You’ve been through a lot. Come with me. I have things to handle, and I want you safe.”
I shook my head. “No. I need to report the incident to my employer. If I don’t, they’ll think I staged the whole thing.”
His expression darkened, shadows tightening around his features. “You’re not staying here.”
And just like that, Lloyd scooped me up like I weighed nothing and slung me over his shoulder.
“Lloyd! Put me down!” I shouted, pounding on his back with clenched fists.
He didn’t stop. Silent and determined, he strode down the empty road, carrying me like a sack of flour toward a sleek, black vehicle waiting by the curb. Without a word, he dropped me into the front seat and shut the door with a final, heavy thud. I folded my arms, stewing, and glared as he slid into the driver’s seat beside me.
The car ride was heavy with unspoken words. Neither of us dared break the silence. Then we arrived.
We turned into a driveway leading to an ornate, wrought-iron gate entwined with intricate vine patterns. Beyond it stood a grand, vintage mansion that stretched out before my eyes.
“Wait—this is where you live?” I blurted, unable to mask my shock. “I knew you had money, but this? It’s as massive as the old pack house.”
He glanced at me, brows slightly raised. “And how exactly do you know I’m wealthy?”
