Ara's POV
The world tilted as I hung over his shoulder, my mind reeling.
Mate.
The word kept repeating through my skull like an angry squirrel.
This mountain of muscle and arrogance is my mate?
My stomach twisted. This couldn't be happening. Not now. Not when I'd finally found a place to belong to live the rest of my months.
I'm just a wolfless nobody. A rogue. A dying woman.
The truth settled like lead in my chest. If he knew what I was— who I was— it wouldn't just endanger me. It would put everyone at risk. Kade. Amara. Luna Celestine. The entire hidden pack that had taken me in, made me stronger, loved me unconditionally.
And if he's truly my mate...
The thought sent ice through my veins. Mates couldn't hide from each other. Couldn't lie. The bond would force the t
