Elin’s POV

Aaron’s arms clamped around my waist like iron vices, his familiar warmth and scent enveloping me in an instant. Arthur’s low growl pierced straight to Istha’s core through the mate bond, making her quiver instinctively.

My heartbeat stuttered, desperate to break free, yet betrayed by that treacherous warmth—why did his nearness always drag me back to those nights two years ago? The fevered stolen moments, the whispered promises, all crashing over me like a tide. But ...