Aria’s POV

The first thing I felt was pain.

Not mine…his.

It struck me like lightning, intense and blinding, piercing every nerve. I gasped, clutching my chest as my breath was ripped away. Damon’s pain felt raw, brutal, and genuine. My wolf inside howled painfully, its cry resounding through my mind until I could hardly focus.

“Mate.” The word trembled from my lips.

Something had occurred. I didn’t need anyone to tell me. I sensed it. The connection between us throbbed, weak and ...