The Solas strategy meeting droned on.

I sat at the head of the table and heard nothing. Just noise. Meaningless words about ranking assignments and upcoming trials. My wolf paced inside me, restless and hungry for something I refused to name.

Had been pacing since the rooftop.

Since the lab.

Since the moment I said those words out loud and watched Val's face do that thing. Disbelief first. Then grief. Then longing, quick and bright, before she stepped back like I'd burned her.

I told ...