oid she had been trapped in, and the way he looked at her made her feel seen-truly seen-for the first time since she was imprisoned. Their relationship deep

ent kind of tremor-a hunger that had nothing to do with fear. Their conversations had started to fade, giving way to the intensity of their physic

hly against one another. His hands slid down her waist, gripping her tightly, and Rachel felt a warmt

d before. They'd make out for what felt like hours, their bodies intertwined, seeking the solace only they could find

s behavior. Though he never spoke much to her, his presence had started to linger. He would pass by her room more frequently, his gaze following her whene

in particular that

what to expect. The room was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the floor

his voice deep and

Lucien's intense blue eyes studied her

d, his tone surprisingly soft. "You're no lon

her growing affection for Mike-but also because Lucien was right. She had change

the ruthless, detached alpha in this moment. For the first time, there was a glimps

inally said, her voice qu

his eyes never leaving hers. "G

he had once believed. Though their bond as mates had been strained by circumstance, the