LOGINI press my hand to my chest, trying to steady the sudden, spiralling unease. Leo watches me carefully.“You want to tell me what you saw?” he asks.I hesitate because I don’t know what to say, or worse… I’m not sure if I want to know. I drag in a slow breath, then another, forcing my lungs to cooper
** Poppy’s POV ** I don’t remember falling asleep. One second, I’m wrapped in Leo’s arms, warm and steady, the bond humming softly between us like a quiet reassurance, and the next, I’m cold.The shift is instant and violent. The warmth is gone, ripped away so suddenly it steals the breath from my
“She chose this,” I remind myself quietly.My wolf huffs in agreement, and that matters more than anything.I tilt my head slightly, pressing my lips briefly to the top of her hair, the gesture softer than anything I’ve allowed myself before.I have to be careful with her. Even now. Especially now.
** Leo’s POV **For a moment, I can’t move. Not because I don’t want to, but because I don’t trust myself to.The bond settles slowly, like something ancient weaving itself into place, threading through my chest, my lungs, my bones. It’s steady, deep, and unshakable.Her… She’s there. Not just besid
The awe-filled look in his eyes and conviction in his voice make me believe him. I think this man could make me feel sexy in one of those god-awful giant hot dog costumes. Feeling extra confident now, I reach behind me and unhook my bra, letting it fall away. Leo sucks in a breath, his eyes flashi
** Poppy’s POV **Leo’s mouth crashes back against mine, and this time there’s nothing restrained about it. No hesitation, no careful distance, just heat.His hand slides from my jaw to the back of my neck, fingers tangling in my hair as he deepens the kiss, pulling me fully against him. I gasp soft
Even if it breaks me. I open my eyes and stare out at the treeline. The forest stretches far beyond what I can see. How many creatures are out there that I don’t know about? Is Dracula going to show up next, wanting to suck my blood? Are fairies coming to grant me wishes? Hell, puff the magic dr
I kick his ruined clothes behind a tree while I pull off my own, adding them to the pile. Ryder is still down on the floor, panting and whining. His wolf is exhausted after the battle he’s just had to break free. Which is probably the only reason he hasn’t taken off back towards his mate yet. If Rem
“Sh*t,” I hear Callen breathe as I storm off towards my house. When I get home, I slam the door closed and lock it behind me. With my back pressed to the door, I slide to the floor, finally allowing myself to break. Fat tears roll down my face as the last bits of hope for Ryder leave my body.
** Ryder’s POV ** I still feel like this is all some crazy dream. Maybe I hit my head, and I’m in a coma, and any minute now I’m going to wake up. It doesn’t feel real, sitting on my couch, Xbox controller in hand, my son beside me. My son. A living, breathing little person who looks like me and s







