Alexander's POV

I burst through the clearing.

Avery's leaning against the cottage door frame, arms crossed, a smirk playing at her lips.

"You interrupted my time with your mate," she says, that teasing lilt in her voice doing nothing to calm the panic clawing at my chest. "She's fine, by the way. Completely safe."

I don't have time for this.

I shove past her, my shoulder knocking hers as I push through the doorway.

The scent hits me ...