Jacob’s POV

Rain tapped against the windows, a steady sound that didn’t feel right in a place meant for rest. I had only been gone for ten minutes. A call to the patrol leader, a check on the perimeter. But when I returned, the air in the room felt heavy.

Fear. Sweat. Tension.

It came off her in waves, sharp enough that my wolf stirred.

“Natalie,” I murmured, moving fast, my hands already on her shoulders before I even thought. Her body jerked, trembling, lost somewhere deep, but ...