Nathan gently laid Serena on the bed in their guest room. He carefully covered her with a soft blanket, making sure she was warm and protected. She was only wearing her underwear, and at that moment Nathan was only thinking about preserving her privacy and leaving her as much dignity as possible.

The black lines that ran like veins across her body still traced the dark presence of the curse. Serena breathed calmly, as if she were sleeping. Nathan couldn't help but stroke her cheek, letting his fingers gently glide over the lines on her collarbone where the curse had been torn. His wolf, the part of him that was...