Ever since Theo set his trap, my days had been filled with restless fear. My instincts stayed on edge, like the air before a storm. I needed to see Lewis. Not just hear his voice. Not just feel him through the bond. I needed to stand in front of him and breathe him in.
The night before, we had parted too fast. I didn't even get a proper look at him. But now, under the soft lights of the exhibition hall, I saw everything.
He had cleaned up just for me. The rough stubble I saw during our call was gone. His hair was neat, every strand in place. He didn't want me to see him worn down. But I could still tell. He had lost weight. His face was sharper. Harder. His presence carried that quiet dominance that made other Alphas step back without knowing why.
He looked like he had been fighting alone.
I reached up, wanting to smooth the tight line between his brows. I wanted to say his name. My throat closed.
