Chapter 1

"No. I don’t want her. She can’t be my mate," Alex said with pure disgust in his eyes, his gaze slowly dragging over my body like I was something filthy.

Today was supposed to be the best day of my life—my mate ceremony. At twenty, I was finally of age, finally ready to be bonded. I had imagined so many things… but never this.

And who did the Moon Goddess pair me with?

Alex Robinson.

Of all the people. The Beta’s son. The future second-in-command of our pack. The one everyone admired and whispered about. But me? He had never liked me. I knew that much. And now, standing in front of him, it was clear he never would.

I already knew what would follow—rejection.

"But there’s nothing wrong with her, son," his father said, trying to reason.

"I know," Alex replied, his tone sharp. "But I don’t want her. I’m already in love—with my girlfriend. I’m not settling for some big-for-nothing girl."

Yes, you heard him right.

I’m not your typical tall, slender, perfect mate material. I’m chubby. Five foot five. I have thick glasses because of my eyesight, short dark hair, and clothes that are more functional than fashionable—because my family can only afford so much. I try my best, but clearly… it’s not enough.

His words were a slap to my face. My wolf whimpered inside me, wounded by the rejection.

Who would ever choose someone like me?

Still, I refused to let him have the last word.

"So I, Alex Robinson, reject you, Aina Wilfred," he said, sealing the pain I already saw coming.

But I lifted my chin and stared him dead in the eye.

"I, Aina Wilfred, reject you, Alex Robinson."

Gasps erupted from the crowd. My mother stiffened beside me, her face twisting in shock.

"What?" she snapped. "Take that back!" she hissed, angry, almost panicked.

But I didn’t move. I was staring at the man who had been my mate only a moment ago—watching as something flickered behind his eyes. Regret? Doubt?

I don't even know.

He ground his teeth and forced the words out. "It is done."

Then, as if to hammer it in, he walked straight to her—Miranda Warren. The perfect blonde, the pretty little thing with the fake smile and too much perfume.

"Miranda Warren will be my mate—the one I choose to spend my life with," he announced to the entire pack, holding her hand like some grand prize.

She didn’t miss her moment either. Miranda threw me a cruel smirk and pinched her nose like I stank, before they both turned and walked away.

They got into their car parked right in the center of the pack square and drove off without so much as a backward glance. Around me, wolves who had already found and accepted their mates were laughing, kissing, holding hands—celebrating.

And I just stood there. Like a damn signboard.

My mother shook her head, clearly disappointed, and walked off with a long sigh. She didn’t say a word. Not even a glance. Just turned and left, like I was already someone else's problem.

Everything around me started to blur.

There it was again—that feeling. The weight of invisibility. Like I didn’t exist. No one came to check on me. No one asked if I was okay. They were all too busy wrapped around their mates, living in their new perfect little worlds.

I hadn’t moved. I stayed rooted to the same spot—the exact place where our eyes had met and the mating bond took place. The bond had sparked instantly. I had felt it… and so had he.

But the moment Alex felt that connection, it was like his entire world collapsed around him. Like having me as a mate was a curse he couldn’t wait to throw away.

The sun dipped quickly, casting the square in shadows. The sky turned cold and gray, matching the hollow ache inside my chest. But I didn’t leave. This was how I handled pain—quietly, without tears, without screaming. Just stillness.

Then, I heard it.

A voice.

Low. Rough. Tempting.

“Aina.”

Just the way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine. I turned, slowly, heart already thudding—and there he was.

Osborne Cliff.

The Alpha’s son.

Tall. Broad. Dangerous.

And the best friend of the man who had just rejected me.

He stood there with his hands in his pockets, lips curled into the kind of smile that could melt through steel. His piercing eyes locked onto mine like I was something worth looking at—something worth claiming.

But wait—how did he know my name?

Osborne Cliff had never spoken to me before. Not even once. So why now? Why here?

Was this some kind of twisted joke? Had he come to mock me after his best friend humiliated me in front of the entire pack? Was this his way of kicking me while I was already down?

He hadn’t even been at the mate gathering. While everyone else was out searching for their other half, I didn’t see him once. No girl clinging to his arm. No whispers about who he might end up with.

And as far as I knew, he didn’t have a mate either.

So why was he here?

He walked toward me, slow and deliberate, like a predator who already knew his prey had nowhere to run. I blinked as his scent hit me—earthy, masculine, rich and warm like cedar and smoke. It wrapped around me, making my skin prickle. Comforting… and dangerous.

He stopped in front of me and towered above me, that same half-smile still tugging at his lips. I felt small next to him, not just in size but in presence. Like he could crush me without trying—but chose not to.

Then he bent down just enough to bring his eyes level with mine. The teasing smirk faded slightly, replaced with something else. Something… intense.

"Aina," he said, his voice low and rough, “it’s good he rejected you.”

I flinched. His words struck deep, sharper than Alex’s had.

My throat tightened. A knot rose in my chest. Goddess, I was going to cry—and I hated that he’d see it. Why would he say something so cruel? What did I ever do to deserve this?

I was about to look away, but he wasn’t done.

"Because I would’ve killed him myself if he hadn't," he said.

Wait—what?

Chapter 2

OSBORNE

I hadn’t gone to the pack square to search for my mate—not because I wasn’t of age, but because I already had someone in mind. The problem? Every time we met, nothing happened. No bond. No pairing. And I hated it.

No one ever seemed to notice her like I did. Maybe that’s why I held on. I’ve waited for her to mature, to come of age and finally be paired with me, but lately, it feels like all hope is slipping away. Sometimes, I think I should just claim her already and be done with it.

So again, I stayed back in my room while others went out. Alex had gone, dragging his girlfriend with him. Strange how he had a girlfriend despite not having met his true mate. What would he do if he finally found her? Or if his girlfriend turned out to be someone else's mate? That kind of heartbreak ruins people.

Anyway, his father had made sure he went this time—wanted him to meet his mate and accept the bond. The beta even tagged along to make sure of it.

It had been a while since he left, and I figured he’d be back soon. This house could feel so empty sometimes. Maybe I should’ve tagged along, just to get a glimpse of her like I usually do. Just the thought of her made me smile.

Her cute frame. Those oversized glasses. Every time I saw her, it was a struggle to control myself. At first, I thought I was just sick in the head, but no—it was her. Every inch of her. The way she bit her lip when she was nervous made me want to crash my mouth into hers. Just thinking about it had me hard.

Suddenly, the door burst open and Alex stormed in, visibly angry. Veins popped along his forehead, and he was practically fuming.

“Can you imagine who I got mated to?” he barked, slamming the door behind him.

I chuckled, amused. “Who? Someone I know?”

He sighed in frustration. “That fat fuck.”

Immediately, my smile dropped. My body stiffened. My voice turned cold as I rose from my chair. “Who?” I asked, already dreading the answer.

He faltered then, noticing the shift in my energy. “You know... Aina,” he mumbled.

I didn’t let him finish.

My fist slammed into the table so hard it cracked. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself not to punch Alex right then and there. Rage swirled inside me like a storm. What the hell did he just say?

“What’s your problem?” he asked, genuinely confused now.

I was breathing heavily, trying to calm myself down when the door creaked again and Miranda walked in.

“Did you tell him already?” she asked Alex, a wicked little laugh escaping her lips. “And make sure you tell him how you rejected her.”

My head snapped in her direction. “He rejected her?” I asked, voice low and menacing.

Even Miranda froze, eyes darting between Alex and me, sensing something was off.

Alex slowly nodded.

“Why are you so worked up?” he asked, brows furrowed, clearly not understanding what he’d triggered.

I closed my eyes and took a sharp breath in. He was lucky—I was so close to doing something I’d regret.

“Nothing,” I finally muttered. “Just remembered something I need to take care of.”

I grabbed one of my car keys off the hook and walked out, leaving them behind in the silence and confusion of what just happened.

I drove straight to the pack square, my gut telling me she was still there. What would I do when I see her there? Damn, I'll have to hold myself back. 

Pulling to a stop, I watched lovers strolling away, hand in hand, giddy with connection. Some of them would be tangled in sheets before midnight, claiming each other in ways I hadn’t yet known. The thought made something bitter curl in my chest, jealousy I suppose.

I walked slowly to the pack square and there she was.

Right where I imagined she’d be. Aina.

She stood on a spot, unmoving, like a statue carved out of heartbreak. Alone—as usual. But her back… it trembled, just slightly. It was enough. I could feel her unraveling, even from this distance.

I’ve never been rejected before—I wouldn’t even pretend to understand that kind of pain she must have been going through, only those rejected truly know how it feels. But watching her hurt for another man? That… that felt like a blade through my chest.

For a guy who doesn't even look her way and calls her a fat fool, a guy who would parade another woman in front of her like she was invisible. For someone too blind to see the gem he let slip through his fingers.

So I stood there, hidden, watching her like I always did. Quietly. Constantly. The way she grieved in silence, holding in tears that burned to be released—it pulled something primal in me.

And when the sun dipped low, leaving nothing but the blue of twilight, I smiled to myself. That’s enough, my sugar plum.

So I said her name.

“Aina.”

She spun around at the sound of my voice. Her eyes locked onto mine, wide, startled—and in that moment, the current running through me surged, damn near knocking the wind out of me.

I smiled at her.

She didn’t know what to do with her expression. A dozen emotions flickered across her face all at once—shock, suspicion, confusion. It was adorable.

I moved toward her slowly, deliberately. Then I stopped, leaning down just enough so her eyes could meet mine properly, even behind her glasses.

“Aina,” I said again, voice low and sure. “It’s good he rejected you.”

I saw the flicker in her eyes. The sting. The way her breath caught, like she didn’t know whether to cry or slap me. Her lips quivered as she bit down on the lower one, trying to steady herself.

God, I wanted to kiss her right then.

But I gave her what I truly meant to accomplish.

“Because I would have killed him myself, if he hadn't.”

Her eyes widened, searching mine like she wasn’t sure she’d heard me right.

But I meant every damn word.

Chapter 3

Aina

I blinked, stunned by what I had just heard. Was this really Osborne—the Alpha’s son? My chest tightened as I swallowed hard.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

This was the first time I had ever spoken to him directly. I’d always seen him from a distance—rarely, at that. And whenever our eyes did meet, he would quickly glance away. Not out of disgust, no… he never looked at me that way. But still, he never acknowledged me either. We were strangers.

He held my gaze now, unwavering. “I meant that I don’t want any man to have you… except me.”

My heart thudded loudly in my chest. I stood frozen, unsure if this was real or just a cruel joke.

"Are you here to mock me?" I asked quietly.

But Osborne shook his head, standing tall before me. That signature smirk curved on his lips as he looked down at me like I belonged to him.

“I, Osborne Cliff, future Alpha of the Silver Crest Pack, take thee, Aina Wilfred, to be my mate. Let the Moon Goddess bear witness.”

The words hit me like a bolt of lightning.

I instinctively stepped back, but his scent wrapped around me like a blanket—warm, dominant, and irresistible. My wolf, who had been silent and withdrawn all day, suddenly howled with renewed life.

"Mine!" she screamed.

What… what just happened?

Before I could even process his declaration, a wave of weakness washed through my knees. My belly tingled as if something deep inside had been awakened.

Then I felt it. The pulsing heat in my core. My body was responding to him, crying out for something only he could give. And worse—my scent filled the air.

Oh Goddess... I’m in heat.

Then I heard it—a low, rumbling growl—and it came from him.

I looked up, met his eyes, and froze.

Oh no.

There was a raw, primal hunger in his gaze—like he was holding himself back by sheer willpower alone. As if one more breath from me would break whatever control he had left.

I opened my mouth to speak, to say something—anything—but nothing came out.

This… this couldn’t be happening.

But in two long strides, he was in front of me. He grabbed me—firm, possessive—and pulled me against his chest like I belonged there.

His face dipped into the curve of my neck, and I shivered as his nose brushed my skin. He inhaled deeply, groaning as if my scent was driving him wild.

Then I felt it—his tongue, warm and wet, grazing my neck.

"Please… wait," I whispered, breathless, barely able to think.

He paused—but only slightly—his voice a low, gravelly whisper laced with desire.

“Your scent… I want to devour you.”

His words sent a shiver straight through my spine. My body tightened in response, and a soft moan escaped my lips before I could stop it.

I felt it too. The pull. The need to lose myself in him.

His scent, thick and masculine, invaded my senses. I was dizzy from it. Craving it.

And then—just like that—his mouth crashed into mine.

Hungry. Possessive. Raw.

A kiss that wasn’t asking—but claiming.

His tongue slipped into my mouth—hot, demanding—and I let him in, moaning softly against his lips. I’d never kissed anyone before. Was I doing it wrong? Probably. But somehow, he didn’t seem to mind. If anything, the more we kissed, the more he seemed to unravel.

His hands gripped my waist, pulling me tighter against him, and I instinctively reached up, fingers tangling in his thick hair. He let out a growl that vibrated through my chest as he kneaded my backside like he was memorizing every curve.

“Open your mouth more,” he murmured, voice husky with desire.

I obeyed without thinking, and our lips moved in sync, a rhythm we seemed to fall into with ease. I pressed closer, craving his warmth, his scent, the possessiveness in his touch. I wanted more—more of him, more of this—things I couldn’t even name yet, only feel deep in my bones.

Then the shrill ring of my phone shattered the moment.

He pulled back, both of us breathing heavily, our chests rising and falling like we’d just surfaced from deep water. I glanced at him. His hair was disheveled—I had done that. A strange thrill rushed through me.

I swallowed and reached for my phone. It was my mom. My stomach dropped. Dinner—I’d forgotten I was supposed to cook. It was already late.

“I have to go,” I whispered, guilt sinking in fast.

He didn’t respond right away. His eyes stayed locked on me, pupils dilated, gaze dark with something wild. “Not when you smell like this,” he muttered, voice rough and full of need.

I stiffened. I wanted to stay. Goddess, I wanted to stay so badly. But if I didn’t get home soon, my father would lose it.

“I really have to,” I said again, more firmly this time, even though I hated every word.

Osborne stared at me like he wanted to argue. Then slowly—almost reluctantly—he leaned in again, nose brushing the crook of my neck as he inhaled deeply. I trembled at the low, primal sound that came from him.

“I’ll take you home,” he said at last. “It’s too dangerous for you to walk around smelling like this.”

But I doubt anyone would even notice, I thought, casting my eyes to the side.

No one ever does.

Not a chubby, glasses-wearing girl like me...

Oh. Right.

Osborne Cliff does.

We drove in silence, the air thick with everything unspoken. I sat rigidly in my seat, still trying to process what had just happened. Osborne had claimed me—actually claimed me—before the Moon Goddess. We’d paired. How was that even possible?

And then… he kissed me. Not just any kiss, but one that burned and branded.

He hadn’t acted embarrassed or disgusted. No, not at all. He’d taken me—possessed me—with a hunger I didn’t understand but felt all the way down to my soul. I had a thousand questions swirling in my head, desperate for answers, but right now, none of them mattered more than getting home.

I just hoped it wasn’t too late.

My father didn’t take disobedience lightly.

Chapter 4

As soon as the car pulled up in front of my house, I turned to glance at him.

"And how do you know where I live?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He simply grinned in response — that same maddening, confident grin. Oh, goddess.

He didn’t bother answering.

“I’ll get going,” I muttered, reaching for the door.

But before I could fully step out, he pulled me back to him and kissed me again — just like earlier. I didn’t fight it. I let him in, parting my lips for him the way he’d silently asked before.

“Be ready. I’ll come meet you here tomorrow,” he said against my mouth.

I nodded my head weakly, flustered. He gave me one last soft peck before I quickly stepped out of the car.

I practically sprinted to the front door, flung it open, and slammed it shut behind me. My heart was still racing.

As I tiptoed deeper into the house, I spotted my father sitting on the couch, reading a book with a glass of fruit juice in hand.

Just then, my brother came marching down the stairs with his mate in tow.

“Look who finally decided to come home,” my mother sneered from the hallway.

My father put down his paper and stood, making his way toward me. I instinctively braced myself, expecting the usual punishment for being late.

But instead, his gaze locked onto my lips.

“Why are your lips so red?” he asked sharply. “Is that… a bite mark?”

Startled, I touched my lips instinctively, feeling them burn under my fingertips. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Now it was my brother’s turn to chime in.

“And why do you smell like that?”

That caught my mother’s attention. She came closer, sniffing the air.

“Yes! You reek of someone — it’s flooding the whole house,” she hissed.

Then she snapped.

“Did you throw yourself at another man after being rejected?!” she shouted.

Suzy, my brother’s mate, snickered.

“I... I,” I stammered, barely able to speak.

My father’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“You didn’t, did you?”

I swallowed hard and finally forced the words out.

“I got a second chance mate,” I breathed.

Silence fell.

“What?” my mother asked, half-laughing.

But my father wasn’t amused.

“Who is it?” he demanded.

“Osborne,” I whispered.

The entire room froze.

And then, laughter erupted — from my father, my brother, even my mother.

“You?” my mother laughed cruelly.

“You think the Alpha’s son would ever choose you?”

“Are you drunk?” my father scoffed. “Or did some random guy pretend to be Osborne and you just went and kissed him?”

I clenched my fists.

“No. It was him. He claimed me — even said he’d be here tomorrow. He drove me home.”

The laughter died. Silence returned.

My mother rushed to the window, peered outside, and then turned back slowly.

“You’re not lying?” my father asked, staring hard at me.

I shook my head earnestly.

“I swear, Dad. I was just as shocked. He came to me... he claimed me, and it felt like my whole body was on fire.”

I cut myself off, suddenly remembering what had happened between us. My lips burned again, the bite mark too obvious to hide.

My father looked to my mother. Even Suzy and Josh exchanged glances.

“Go make dinner,” my father finally said.

I quietly nodded and left the room, retreating fast.

But even as I walked away, I could hear their murmurs.

“She must have lost her mind,” my father whispered.

None of them believed me.

Heck, even I wasn’t sure I believed it myself.

How could a man like Osborne — the future Alpha, strong, devastatingly handsome, and so completely out of my league — ever claim someone like me? Just a plain girl?

The next morning, I woke up before the sun. I had so much to do—clean the house, prepare breakfast, and most importantly, prepare myself. He said he would come, though he didn’t say when. Still, I couldn’t stop thinking about last night… the way I had craved him. One moment changed everything. My entire life shifted in the blink of an eye.

Today felt unlike any other. A strange joy bubbled in my chest, unfamiliar but warm. Even my wolf was restless, pacing inside me with excitement.

"Clean that area properly," my mother barked.

"I will!" I replied cheerfully, a smile tugging at my lips. She looked at me as if I had gone mad, but I didn’t care.

For some reason, my father didn’t go to work. My brother and his mate were also home. I had a feeling they were waiting—to mock me again, probably. None of them believed I had found my second chance mate. Not really.

By noon, their laughter rang through the house.

“We should really get her checked,” my brother said, chuckling.

My mother joined in. “You should’ve seen the look the beta’s son gave her. Disgust, pure hatred. And when he rejected her, she didn’t even fight back. How did I raise such a daughter?”

Their words stung—sharp and cold—but I tried to ignore them. Still… why was Osborne taking so long?

I sat alone in silence, my ears tuned to every sound. The earlier joy had faded into quiet uncertainty.

Then, suddenly, it hit me.

A wildfire blazed through my body. My heart raced painfully fast, breath caught in my throat. It was hard to breathe. My skin burned, my head throbbed, and between my legs—I was wet. Embarrassingly so.

It was happening again… no, this was worse.

Heat.

But why now? He wasn’t even here.

I doubled over, trying to steady myself, vision blurring. And then I heard Suzy’s voice.

“The scent… it’s coming from here. I think Aina is in heat!”

Footsteps pounded toward me. My father’s voice followed. “Why is it so strong? Someone get a glass of cold water!”

My mother crouched beside me. “Breathe, Aina. We might as well find you a mate ourselves. Maybe then you’ll stop clinging to your little delusions.”

They were wrong.

Osborne was real.

And he was coming.

Before the water reached me, my body gave out and I collapsed.

But just before darkness pulled me under… I heard it.

My name.

"Aina."

His voice.

Chapter 5

Osborne

"The shares in the company within the Waterford Pack are increasing by the day. I want you to go check it out, son. As you know, we’ve maintained a good relationship with them for a long time."

My father’s voice echoed in my head, calm but heavy with the same expectations that had followed me for years. I gave a stiff nod, trying to mask my irritation.

"I know, Father. But when does this meeting end?" I looked him in the eye. "I should be elsewhere by now. I have someone I planned on meeting"

He studied me quietly for a second, then nodded as if he’d anticipated this resistance. "I see. But there’s a party tonight. I want you to attend... with Bella."

Ah. So that’s what this is really about.

I scoffed inwardly and stood. "You could’ve just said that from the start."

We both knew what this was. He wanted me to claim Bella—to mate with her for power, not love. That’s why he never forced me to attend the gatherings in the pack square like the other unmated wolves. He’d always had Bella in mind. Always waiting, always scheming.

But tonight, I’d shatter that plan.

"I won’t be going with Bella," I said coolly. "I’m going to see the woman I’ve already claimed."

He froze mid-motion, eyes lifting slowly to meet mine. "What did you just say?"

"I said," I repeated calmly, "I’m going to the woman I have claimed."

His face twisted with disbelief before rage began to crack through his polished exterior. "You haven’t even been officially mated! Don’t stand there and speak nonsense to me."

"I’m not," I said, standing my ground. "I claimed her under the moon goddess. She is mine now."

He surged toward me, grabbing the collar of my shirt in a tight fist. His fury poured off him in waves. "What. Have. You. Done?"

"I’ve followed my heart," I answered steadily. "I love her, Father."

His hand dropped from my shirt, but the anger didn’t leave his face. This wasn’t just disappointment—it was betrayal in his eyes. To him, I wasn’t a son. I was a tool. And now, I’d dared to bend the blade away from the grip.

"I want no part in your politics with Alpha Hamilton," I added. "I’ll go to the party, but not with Bella."

His shoulders tensed, his jaw clenched. He didn’t speak. Silence meant fury, and I welcomed it.

"Excuse me," I said, turning my back on him.

My heart pounded as I stepped out of the room. The weight of defying him was heavy, but it didn’t slow my stride.

Shit. I’m late.

She’d be waiting. Probably confused. Maybe hurt.

I’ll bring her a flower. Something soft to make up for the sharpness of my delay.

As I stepped out, I spotted my mother heading toward my father's office.

"Are you two arguing again?" she asked.

I shook my head quickly. "No, Mom. But I really need to be somewhere," I replied, already halfway past her.

She took a step closer. "Your father must have mentioned Bella—"

I cut her off, not wanting to get into it. "Later, Mom. Please, not now." I hurried off, leaving her watching me with concern.

I reached my car, only to be stopped yet again—this time by Alex.

What the hell?

"Hey, buddy," he greeted.

I exhaled sharply. "Not now!" I snapped, slamming the door shut and driving off without another word.

I drove straight to a nearby flower shop, my thoughts completely consumed by Aina. The moment I stepped in, I could feel the attention shift toward me.

"Who do you think he’s buying flowers for? Is he already mated?" one girl whispered with clear jealousy.

"Oh God, please let it be me," another giggled.

Ugh. Seriously?

I paid quickly, ignored the unnecessary attention, and headed back to my car. I just needed to see her. As I drove, my mind drifted to her—how she looked last night, how she felt. I gripped the wheel tighter. I was almost there when it hit me.

A wave of heat slammed into my chest and shot down my body. My cock hardened painfully, demanding her. It was the same uncontrollable ache as last night—but this time it was more intense. Like a primal force was dragging me toward her.

Then I caught it.

Her scent.

Oh, goddess.

Sweet. Potent. Irresistible. And it was coming from inside her house—it reached outside. Fuck. That shouldn’t happen. No one should know how my mate smells. No one should know she’s going into heat.

I pulled up in front of her house and jumped out, heart racing. That’s when I saw them.

Three guys loitering just a little too close to her block. They were sniffing the air subtly, eyes narrowing in the direction of her home.

They smelled it too.

No. Hell. No.

My protective instincts kicked in so hard I saw red. I clenched my fists and stalked toward them. One of them, a lanky omega with twitchy eyes, dared to speak.

"Smells like—"

"Don’t." I snapped.

The moment they saw my face, they froze. Recognition flickered in their eyes. One stepped back. The other two immediately lowered their heads and bowed.

"Alpha," one muttered quickly, trying to act like they hadn’t just been sniffing around my mate’s scent like hungry dogs.

I didn’t care who they were. I didn’t care if they belonged to this pack or the next. My glare could’ve burned holes through them.

"Next time I see you this close to her house," I growled, my voice low and lethal, "you’ll be crawling home without your noses."

They didn’t wait. They backed off quickly, practically tripping over themselves.

Without wasting another second, I turned and stormed toward her house. No knocking. No hesitation. I shoved the door open and followed her scent like a predator locked on prey.

It led me straight to the living room.

Her family was gathered there—faces tight with worry.

And then I saw her.

Aina.

She swayed on her feet, eyes fluttering closed. Her body gave out beneath her, and without thinking, I shouted her name.

"Aina!"