Nathan leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. "You want me to get the pack to keep an ear out?"
Gavin nodded. "Yeah. If anyone hears anything, let me know."
Mom pressed a hand to her chest. "I hope she's okay."
Dad reached for his drink. "It's a small town. If she's still here, someone will find her."
Nathan's focus sharpened on Gavin. "You're sure there's no sign of struggle?"
"Not that they found."
Gavin sighed. "Look, let's not let it ruin dinner. I'll keep you updated if anything changes."
Nathan didn't look convinced, but he let it drop. Still, I could see the wheels turning in his head, the alpha in him already strategizing, planning.
After dinner, I headed to the kitchen to grab drinks. Footsteps sounded behind me, and I stiffened. I turned too fast?—
Nathan was right there, so close I nearly crashed into him. His hands came up slightly like he was debating whether to steady me.
The air between us thickened, charged with something I couldn't name. Something I wasn't sure I wanted to.
Nathan stepped back first, clearing his throat. "Sorry."
I crossed my arms, a flimsy barrier against the pull of him. "Did you need something?"
His gaze flickered toward the dining room where Gavin was. "Just making sure you're settling back in."
I arched my brow. "That's the excuse you're using?"
His lips twitched, but he looked away.
I didn't like how my pulse jumped at his proximity, at the way his scent wrapped around me, familiar and foreign all at once. This was dangerous. He was dangerous.
Gavin's voice carried from the dining room. "Riss, you need help with the drinks?"
I stepped back, breaking whatever was happening between Nathan and me. "No, I’m fine."
Nathan lingered for just a second longer before walking out. The moment he was gone, I exhaled a shaky breath.
I was in so much trouble. Because no matter how much I tried to deny it, to push it down, a part of me wanted him. Craved his touch, his presence, in a way that terrified me.
I couldn't let myself go down that road again. I couldn't survive another heartbreak, another loss.
I wasn't sure I had a choice. The pull between us was magnetic, undeniable.
How long could I resist it… How long could I resist him?
Chapter 6
Nathan
I steppedonto the training field behind our house and watched Elle pace back and forth, her shoulders tense with frustration. She'd been trying to shift for weeks now, but it still hadn't happened.
Elle crossed her arms tightly. "This is ridiculous. Every other kid my age is shifting already."
I motioned for her to take a breath. "You're close, sweetheart. Rushing it won't help."
"Easy for you to say," she muttered. "You shifted young."
