Liam's POV

The way Mia looked at me after I revealed the truthit wasn't fear.

It was something else.

Confusion. Curiosity. Maybe even recognition.

I hadn't planned to tell her this soon, but seeing her collapse last night had changed everything. The sight of her crumpling to the floor had sent a rush of panic through me unlike anything I'd felt in yearsa protective instinct that went beyond my duties as an Alpha.

"I know it's a lot to process," I said ...