Aurora felt it the moment Elias crossed back into the clearing.
It wasn’t gentle.
It wasn’t subtle.
It was a snap—sharp and undeniable—like a cord drawn tight around her chest and pulled until her breath left her lungs.
Her wolf surged forward with a growl that echoed in her skull.
Mine.
Aurora stiffened where she stood, fingers curling at her sides as the world tilted. The sounds of the pack dulled, fading into a distant hum, while her awareness narrowed to one thing and one thing only.
Elias.
He was still in wolf form, black fur catching the firelight, chest rising steadily as he slowed near the edge of the clearing. His head lifted abruptly, ears snapping forward.
Their eyes met.
The bond slammed into place.
Aurora gasped.
Heat poured through her veins, sudden and overwhelmi
