**Maxwell's POV**
I had been in a battle with my wolf, Rune, the moment my teeth left her skin. One moment I was breaking my own heart, shattering my soul by rejecting her, and the next my wolf was taking control and claiming his mate before she could finish accepting the rejection. What killed me more than anything is the rush of memories and the emotions that came with them. I saw everything. From a young, talented Hannah being scrutinized by everyone close to her to me being utterly cruel and insensitive. Every tear she cried was like acid to my heart. Every silent sob that escaped her lips in the dark, cold nights was a dagger to my soul. My mate was stronger than I could have ever imagined.
I hated feeling like she was taking over me. Over my heart, my mind. Everything I knew was c
