Ronan caught up to me the moment I left the council chamber. He did not grab me or bark orders or try to push me back inside. He just fell into step beside me like his wolf had already made the decision for him.
We walked side by side down the long hallway and out into the cold. The moment the outdoor air hit my face, my wolf lifted her head and inhaled sharply. Snow was falling again, soft flakes drifting down through the pines. Warriors patrolled the border with tighter formations than usual. Everyone was on edge.
Especially me.
Especially him.
Ronan’s shoulder brushed mine as we reached the edge of the clearing. It was an accident, but my wolf reacted like he had touched her directly. Heat shot up my spine. My breath hitched. His scent washed over me in a wave.
Pine. Smoke. Cold wi
