Roman waited until the last student’s footsteps faded down the hall before shutting the classroom door. The click echoed like a verdict.

He turned back to her. Desiree sat stiffly at her desk, clutching her bag like a lifeline. Her wide eyes flicked to him, then down to the floor.

She looked… fragile. Not like the fiery girl who usually met his stare without flinching. Her scent told him why, something different clung to her now, sweet but sharp, tangled with fear. His wolf prowled ...