William branded every face that had ever hurt me with a flaming rod. This pack would bear the mark of shame and rejection forever.

A month later, I walked into my tiny apartment, singing as I locked the door. Freedom had never felt so good. The place was small—just one bedroom, a bath, and a little kitchen. But it was mine. For the first time, I slept peacefully, breathing deeply without fear.

I thought about William often. The crazy man. Even late at night, I imagined him nearby. Sometimes, I was sure I could hear him or feel his presence.

Rogue wolves were always a threat without the pack, and I knew the dangers. But the peace was worth it.

After my shower, I wrapped myself in a towel, my stomach rumbling as I headed to the kitchen for some spaghetti. I grabbed a knife, turning around—only to see William.

My heart pounded at the sight of him. The knife slipped from my hand. “Why are you here?”

“I came to check on you.”

“You followed me?”

William stepped closer. “I guess I stalked you. Your scent—it's even more intoxicating now.”

“Why are you here?”

“Didn’t you miss me?”

I stayed silent.

He chuckled, pressing his body against mine. “That’s fine. No need to say it. Your body speaks for you.”

“How did you get in here?”

“The beast in me has many skills.”

"And you’ve mastered invading privacy. I should’ve known."

He chuckled. "Don’t lie. Your pussy got wet the moment you saw me."

"I just want to sleep."

He grumbled, squeezing my ass. How could I want him? But I let him.

I whimpered as his cock pressed against my core. His lips grazed my shoulder, teasing my neck. It took just one flick of his finger to drop the towel.

Would he hurt me? The thought made me queasy, but his groan said otherwise. His brown eyes gleamed, filled with hunger.

Was this real? William looked at me like he wanted to devour me.

"I planned to take this slow, but I need a taste."

He scooped me up, carrying me to the bedroom. I lay helpless as his eyes roved over me, his hands sliding up my thighs, so close to my pussy. I didn’t stop him. I wanted him.

My mind went blank as his fingers brushed my clit. "Oh, fuck," he muttered.

He stroked, gliding over me. "Now, let me taste."

I didn’t think pleasure could be greater until his lips met my clit. His tongue was pure bliss, sending me spiraling into ecstasy.

But he’d waited too long. His cock strained against his trousers, his wolf desperate to claim me. Still, he held back, sliding his tongue over my clit, teasing until he smelled my arousal. Then he took me, riding me hard, filling me with his come and my own virgin blood.

He reveled in my surrender. William kissed my clit, drawing out my orgasm, then swiped his tongue over my breasts before kissing me deeply.

"And you have one tasty pussy."

I tried to push him off, but he was too strong. "You intrigue me."

He breathed deeply, sensing my wolf near. "Why?"

"How long have you healed so quickly?"

"Did you watch me?"

"Yes. I was near your woods. I smelled you, saw what they did to you. They punished you for nothing."

"I did something wrong."

"Yet you heal in hours, but their marks remain in your mind."

"I'm fine."

"Now you're lying. I hate liars."

"I'm being honest. I just want to forget. This was my chance to live my dream. I begged to leave."

"For how long?" he pressed.

"No need to tell you."

"Why does it matter?" I shot back.

"You know why."

"Get off me."

"Why? You like me on top. You like it."

I growled. "This is my apartment. I didn’t invite you."

"You’ve got a nice pussy."

"Don’t say I intrigue you. You could have any woman."

"But Susan, we both know no other woman will do for me. You’re my mate."

"We’re not mates."

"No? Then why do you get wet every time I’m near? I’m hot, but you ignored all the other guys around you."

"You never hurt me."

"Yes, but the body wants what it wants. We’re not human. You crave me, calling out in the night. Your body’s heat says it all. It wants me."

"Why did you demand he free me?"

He grumbled. "I have no intention of taking anything from you. I’m yours, and you’re mine. You can’t change that." He inhaled deeply. "I can feel your heat."

"What?"

"You’ve never felt heat?"

"I don’t know what you mean."

He smirked. "We’ve got a lot to discuss. But first, that lasagna isn’t going to eat itself, and I’m starving." His stomach growled as he got out of bed.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"See you in the kitchen. You grabbed a salad at the store. I’ll make it while you think, then we’ll talk." He glanced at my body, struggling to hold back a groan. Full moon’s coming—wouldn’t be long now. A woman in mating heat was a dangerous thing.

My wolf demanded his presence, the last few months a torturous build-up. Soon, his wolf would claim his mate.

Humming, he headed to the fridge. The meager items inside were enough for supper—his mate needed good food. He chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber with surprising ease.

I quickly changed into sweatpants, glancing in the mirror before heading to the kitchen. Seeing William so at ease in the kitchen shocked me.

He looked up, catching me staring. "You like what you see, little wolf?"

Something under my skin itched. I grabbed a cold water bottle, pressing it to my neck. It helped, but not enough.