Sage’s confusion hits me like static.Why not?
Because he doesn’t know.
Red stumbles to a stop.You haven’t told him you’re fated?
No.
Rowen! Why?
Because he doesn’t need another thing to think about.
Of all the things,Red snaps,this is the one that helps. He’ll want it.
You don’t know that.My voice is shaky now.We’ve known each other two months.
Red and I knew two days before I bit him,Sage counters.
That surprises me. I always knew they bonded fast, butthatfast?
Red nudges him, soft and sure.Our wolves knew. And we trusted them.
That’s just it.I shake my head hard.Tobias doesn’t have a wolf. He doesn’t have the instinct. He won’t feel it like I do.
Doesn’t mean he’s not feeling it at all,Red murmurs.
Sage steps closer.You need to tell him.
I open my mouth to argue—but a prickle crawls up my spine. Every hair stands on end.
Someone’s watching us.
We scan the trees, but the forest is silent aside from the whirr of the drone.
Sage nudges me.You’re jumpy because of what you’re feeling. Talk to him.
I bolt forward, snow spraying behind me. Screw that. I don’t need advice. I need him.
By the time I reach the side door, I’m already shifting, the change burning through me like liquid magic. A few pack members look up as I pass,but I ignore them, heading straight for the stairs. I know exactly where he’ll be.
Sure enough, as I turn the sliding door, red light pours over me in a muted glow.
Tobias stands by the enlarger, rubbing his forehead, eyes squinting. He gives me a weak smile.
“You okay?” I ask, stepping beside him.
“Headache again.”
“Maybe if you weren’t in here all day, every day…” I tease, kissing his cheek. “That red light probably isn’t good for you.”
He leans against me, barely responding. The warmth of him feels fragile. When he rests his head against my shoulder, my concern grows.
“Toby, really—are you okay?”
“Yeah. Fine.”
“Look at me.”
He lifts his face, and even in the darkened space, I can tell he’s flushed. I touch his forehead, but he seems fine.
