Kaius sat frozen, his mind racing, his heart slamming against his ribs like a war drum.
The scent was unmistakable now.
It had been subtle at first, almost teasing, like a whisper in the wind. But with each passing second, it became stronger, more distinct, curling around him like an invisible chain.
His breath hitched. His body stiffened.
And then, his gaze locked onto her.
A few tables away, sitting stiffly among the other recruits, was Dhalia.
It was her.
His mate. Kaius’s stomach clenched, his entire being coiling tight like a predator ready to pounce.
No. This wasn’t possible.
His mind rebelled against the reality before him, but his instincts, his wolf, recognized the truth before his thoughts could catch up.
Dhalia was his.
She had always been his.
And she knew. The real
