Namara's POV:

I laughed, the sound light and carefree as it echoed through the blooming garden behind the pack house. The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves of the ancient oak trees, casting dappled patterns on the stone path where Alexander and I had been chasing each other like pups.

His large hands caught my waist again, spinning me around until my back pressed against his chest. The scent of roses and lavender mingled with his warm, masculine aroma that always made my wolf stir ...