Modric’s POV
Mary Ann’s words followed me long after she left the garden.
Next time, don’t stop so quickly.
My wolf repeated them as though they were a command.
They were not.
That distinction mattered.
She had not invited me to ignore hesitation. She had not withdrawn the boundaries she had placed between us. She had only admitted that part of her wanted more than the cautious kiss we shared beneath the lantern light.
The knowledge filled me with hope.
It also made restraint more difficult.
I remained on the stone bench after she left, forcing my breathing to slow while the taste of her lingered on my lips. The mate bond had settled, but desire still moved through it like heat beneath ash.
I wanted to follow her.
I wanted to ask what she meant by next time.
I wanted to know wh
