LOGINClaire leaned forward, closing the distance between them. She pressed her lips to his, soft and tentative at first.Brandon went rigid. His hands came up like he was going to push her away, to stop this before it went further since he wasn't sure if this was the right time or if it was too soon.But Claire deepened the kiss, pouring all her certainty and acceptance into it. The mate bond took hold, and he could feel all of her emotions.After a moment, his resistance crumbled. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer as he kissed her back with equal fervor.When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing hard. Claire rested her forehead against his, listening to the sound of his heartbeat."Thank you," she whispered. "For being patient with me. For not pushing, and most especially, for being exactly what I needed even when I did not know I needed it. I thank the moon goddess every day that she paired me with a man like you."Brandon let out a shaky laugh. "You are g
Claire's eyes slowly opened as they felt heavy.The first thing she noticed when she woke up was the throbbing pain in her head. It felt like someone had taken a hammer to her skull and decided to keep going. She groaned softly, pressing her palm against her forehead.She narrowed her eyes with a confused expression, trying to focus on her surroundings. The room was unfamiliar but comfortable. Soft morning light made her feel relaxed. The bed beneath her was larger than hers, the sheets smelling faintly of pine and something masculine.Then the memories started trickling back. The journey and then the wolfsbane in the form of smoke. The way her lungs had burned when she breathed it in. The panic when she realized Brandon was missing.Everything was starting to make sense to her, but none of it pointed to where she was right now.She had gone looking for Brandon. That much she remembered clearly. Her feet stumbling through the woods, her vision blurring with each moment the poison hit
Once the maid left, Zora finally allowed herself to lean against the counter. Trent moved closer, studying her face."You are worried about something," he observed.Zora bit her lower lip. "I am worried about Claire and Brandon. Given everything Claire just went through, the trauma of the attack, being unconscious and vulnerable... she might decide to reject Brandon when she wakes up. Their bond is still so new, and they haven't yet connected."Trent stared into her eyes. He could tell that she genuinely cared for them. He carefully held her hand and gave it a soft squeeze."That will not happen," Trent said with certainty. "The mate bond is stronger than you think, Zora. Once it forms, it does not break easily. Fear and trauma might shake it, but they will not destroy it. Claire might be scared when she wakes up, but she will not reject him.""How can you be so sure?""Because I have seen it before. And because Brandon will not let her push him away. He will fight for her." Trent pul
Trent shifted back to his human form while still trying to catch his breath as a result of the fight just now. The mud on his skin was starting to dry and crack, but he barely noticed. His mind was focused on Zora.He rushed to her side, and even as she opened her mouth to speak, he immediately tugged her to his side and wrapped his arms around her."I was so afraid. I thought that I had lost you," he whispered into her ear, sniffing her scent."Me too. I was so scared when Brandon told me that you dashed into the woods. Why would you do something like that?" she fumbled, but he only tugged her tighter to his side with a small smile on his lips."Alpha!" Brandon suddenly called as soon as he was done bundling the man on the ground with a rope. Trent finally pulled away from Zora to give Brandon his attention."It's Claire. We can't find her." Brandon felt his heart break as he spoke. She had left everything just to be with him.The thought that she might be in danger all because of hi
Brandon leaned against the car, one hand pressed to his chest as he tried to calm his breathing. The wolfsbane was doing a number on him, making his limbs feel heavy and his senses dull. He had dealt with poison before during his years of training, but this particular strain was potent.Next to him, Zora stood alert, her eyes scanning through the woods. She looked tired but not nearly as affected as he was. That surprised him more than he wanted to admit.She was pregnant, and the wolfsbane should affect her more than it was affecting him, yet she was so active."You should sit down," Zora said without looking at him. "You look like you are about to collapse.""I am fine," Brandon scoffed, pushing himself upright. The world around him spun slightly, but he forced himself to focus. "Just need a minute.""You need more than a minute." She finally turned to face him, her expression stern. "That wolfsbane hit you harder than it hit me. Stop pretending otherwise."Brandon coughed before he
As soon as Trent realized that they had lost contact with the other car carrying Zora, he felt his chest tighten. This time it wasn't a gut feeling, but it was obvious that something was going on.The two guards in the front seat had gone rigid, their training kicking in. The driver kept both hands on the wheel.Then Trent saw it. A figure standing in the road ahead, barely visible in the darkness. Just standing there, watching them."There." He pointed.Brandon leaned forward, squinting. "Who is that?""I do not know." Trent reached for the door handle. "But I am going to find out.""Wait, maybe we should—"Trent never heard the rest of Brandon's sentence. Thick smoke suddenly erupted around their car, billowing up from nowhere and everywhere at once. It poured through the vents, seeped under the doors, filled the interior in seconds."Duck!" Trent shouted. "It is wolfsbane!"The guards immediately dropped down, trying to avoid breathing in the toxic smoke. Brandon covered his nose a







