Melissa’s POV

I pressed my palm against my chest, feeling the faint echo of his heartbeat still thrumming under my skin. The scent of him, earth, pine, and steel lingered in the air. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. And yet, for reasons I couldn’t name, I wasn’t sure I wanted it to stop.

I told myself that I would forget all of this by morning. Pretend it had not happened. Pretend Joem hadn’t steadied my breathing with his own. Pretend I hadn’t felt safe for the first time in years.

But that night I couldn't rest. My wolf paced under my skin, restless and confused. Every time I...