"Who are you?" Elora's voice came out as a whisper, barely audible over the pounding of her heart.
The man turned to face her; his expression unreadable as he studied her with intense brown eyes. There was a hint of familiarity in his gaze, as if he had been expecting her.
"I'm James," he replied, his voice deep and resonant." Azriel’s Beta."
Elora's mind raced as she struggled to process the revelation. What was he doing here? Inside the cottage, where her son was! Oh Goddess! Asher will be awake soon!
"I... I didn't expect to see you here," Elora stammered, her voice tinged with uncertainty and slight panic.
James regarded her with a mixture of curiosity and intensity, his gaze unwavering as he took a step closer. "Nice to meet you, Lora," he said quietly, his voice laced with since
