Mate.
The word exploded inside Rowan Blackwood’s head like a thunderclap.
For a moment, he forgot where he was.
Forgot about the summit.
Forgot about the crowded café.
Forgot about the coffee soaking the front of his shirt.
All he could see was her.
The human girl standing a few feet away.
Her eyes were wide with panic.
Her cheeks were bright red from embarrassment.
A few strands of dark hair had escaped her ponytail.
She looked completely ordinary.
Completely human.
And yet Rowan’s wolf was losing its mind.
Mate.
The word echoed again.
Louder this time.
His wolf surged beneath his skin, demanding control.
Every instinct inside him screamed the same thing.
Protect her.
Claim her.
Keep her safe.
Rowan clenched his jaw so hard it hurt.
This couldn’t be happening.
Not
