Allison's POV
Lucian caught up to me just as I yanked open my car door.
With one fluid movement, his hand came down hard on the edge—slamming it shut with a decisive thud.
Suddenly, I was trapped between him and cold metal.
Too close. Too familiar. Too late.
"Could you stop walking away from me every time we try to talk?"
His voice was low, rough around the edges.
Not angry—just... tired.
"I'm still a person, Allison. I still have feelings."
I let out a dry laugh.
"That's rich—coming from the reigning champion of walking away."
Something flickered in his eyes.
A hit. Direct and unfiltered.
He almost smiled—but it died before it reached his mouth.
"I'm learning," he said softly, "that female wolves have long memories."
He hesitated, then added,
