It’s not possible. The wolf and the man are one. If the wolf has a mate, so does the man.

Mate.

I’ll be damned if my wolf doesn’t sound patronizing as hell. Like he’s talking to an idiot.

Annie cautiously creeps closer. My wolf ignores her. She’s not a threat.

Nuria glances at Annie. My wolf butts her. He wants all her attention.

She smiles, indulgent. She’s not scared—at all—anymore.

“Look at these paddles.” Nuria lifts my foreleg and measures herself against my paw. It eclipses her hand. Her palm is exquisitely soft against our rough pads.

Annie burrows into Nuria’s side and gawks. Between Liam and her, the whole...