Before she could reach the door, a strong arm grabbed her from behind. She gasped, trying to twist away, but Markus held her firm. The next moment, she felt a sharp, piercing pain in her neck. Her vision blurred, and the world around her started to fade. The last thing she saw before losing consciousness was Markus's anguished face, his eyes filled with regret and desperation.
After some time, Kaia awoke groggily, her head pounding and her neck sore where Markus had bitten her. She was lying in a comfortable bed, and as her vision cleared, she realized she was in Markus’ guest room from the pack house. Panic surged through her, and she tried to sit up, only to find Markus sitting by her side, his face a mask of concern and regret.
“Kaia,” he began softly, his voice filled with a mix of s
