I started walking aimlessly, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Vaelor had kissed me—full of hunger, raw intensity. Liliana might have been right. That kiss hadn't been fueled by hate. Could I really be his mate?

Maybe he was just holding back because I was human. Lost in thought, I hadn't even noticed I'd wandered into the forest. I stopped abruptly, scanning the shadows around me.

"Damn it," I muttered. "I can't believe I got lost."

Frustrated with myself, I decided against venturing further. Better to wait for Vaelor to catch my scent and realize where I was. Leaning against a tree, I watched the sky shift toward sunset, the sunlight fading across the horizon. Night was coming fast, and the idea of spending it alone out here was unappealing.

A bush rustled nearby. My heart jumped, and I hugged my knees, holding my breath. A rabbit popped out, ears twitching as it watched me cautiously.

"Oh, jeez…" I whispered, exhaling shakily. "You scared me." I stretched out my hands, cradling the tiny creature. "Hello, little one. Want to keep me company?"

The rabbit didn't reply, of course, but it stayed still, eyes wide. An hour passed, and the hope of being found by Vaelor began to fade. Apparently, my absence at dinner hadn't been noticed. I sighed, glancing down at the rabbit.

"Maybe I should try finding my way back," I said absently, stroking its ears.

"Petting an animal whenever I see you?"

The voice was sharp, commanding.

"Oh, gods!" I jumped, eyes wide, still holding the rabbit. "Don't tell me…"

"No. Just a rabbit this time."

Vaelor approached like a predator, his gaze fixed on me. Kneeling before me, his hands traced along my bare knees up to my thighs. "From now on, only animals," he said, voice low, warning.

"That's good to know," I whispered, shivering from the electricity of his touch. I cupped his face and leaned in, lips brushing his. He kissed me instantly, pulling me close, pressing his heat into me.

"Sorry I missed dinner," I murmured, biting my lower lip. "I… got lost."

"Claire," Vaelor said, gripping my face, eyes stormy. "Listen. I'm about to shift. Don't panic, if anything happens, climb that tree and stay there until Kaelen finds you."

"What?" My chest tightened. "What would happen? What do you mean?"

"Obey—this time. Please." His eyes glowed with that unyielding authority.

Before I could respond, he shifted. For the first time, I saw him fully as his massive, majestic brown wolf. There was no time to admire the view. Three other wolves appeared in the distance, growling aggressively, closing in on us.

My breath hitched, and I stepped back—but Vaelor moved instantly, placing himself between me and the threat, eyes blazing red. The forest echoed with snarls, and I realized the danger was very real.