Elena's POV.

　　I was overjoyed to see Derek, grateful for the distraction from my reality. But then, a wave of disappointment washed over me as I realized I wasn't fully in touch with my wolf nature. It was baffling - one moment I was happy and carefree, the next, I was struggling to connect with my inner power.

　　Derek cleared his throat, snapping me back to reality. "What are you thinking about?" he asked, his eyes piercing through mine.

　　I shook my ...