He smelled me.

Not just the sweat or the dirt or the pack’s lingering musk after hours of training. No. Cassian’s eyes had locked on mine like he’d seen through me, and that quiet whisper behind his eyes—the wolf—recognized me.

My chest burned from the inside out.

I didn’t move for a second after he hit the ground. I should’ve backed away, played it cool. Instead, I just stood there, staff in hand, staring down at him like an idiot.

His brows twitched, jaw clenching ever so ...