Just the water. Just the steam.
Not the ache in my chest. Not the trembling in my belly that wasn’t fear—not really—but something rawer. Hope, maybe. Or want.
I hated them for making me feel it.
I hated myself more for wanting to.
I didn’t notice the pendant blocking my aura had slipped away.
And I didn’t hear the knock on the door.
I only heard four claiming roars—and in that moment, I knew I was f****d.
I looked around me frantically for the pendant, finding it wrapped around the sponge. Entangled with hair and soap.
My fingers trembled when I put it back on.
And from the other side of the bathroom door I heard them chuckle
“That won’t save you from the wolves, kitten,” Kyle said.
I bit down on my lip, hard, trying to slow my heartbeat. Trying to calm the traitorous heat cur
