a's

stand what the

bulary word I don't ye

y they say it. It isn't casual; it holds something

er. Instead, they turn their backs on me and leave,

hing adds up. Why are they calling me

e as I stare dow

when I n

na

s are di

longer th

ine as I try to process

, flipping my hands over, trying to make sens

ow. My body stiffens as I stand to my feet, my eyes scanning the forest,

my heart racing, scanning my sur

hasing me sends a wave of

ach the hostel, m

ed, her brows pulled together in concern.

appened back there? Why

at feels dry and my mind is too clouded with everything el

ask the only

hose are the only words I

out a small sigh. "Don't tell me you don't kno

s, rubbing her arm. "But I'l

t isn't just about love-it's instinct, connection, something deeper than human bonds.

r, the words n

f it fe

hat," I mutter, shakin

statement. I turn on my hee

hoving my clothes inside without care. I don't even th

belong am

oor open and

ing the air. I turn to a corne

efore realizing

in my path, his ex

going?" His voice is calm,

bag. "I need to leave,"

ore exhaling. "You don't want t

e." I shoot back, no

d those gates, you won't make

catches i

nyone to pass by so they can have a fun time. I bet you won't make

og

ling creeps

. I want to tell

e, so certain, makes my st

turns and walks away, le

even process his warning

c. Alex

, or should I ca

as if they've been wa

jaw tight. Alex stands beside

e so different?" Dominic asks,

time for this

o walk away while

king me from head to toe. My bo

king Liam would just follow th

t. Instead, he

se, my body stiffening as he reache

leans in closer, his hot breath filling my face. The ba

to tell him to let go, but something in me, some

s my mate." His voice is low

t mine-soft at first, but then his tongue

is mouth, my hands grippin

s and stares at me wi

ay s

says before our