I felt her before I saw her.

The moment I crossed into Hollowfang territory, it hit me—raw and violent. The mate bond. My wolf surged forward so fast I nearly shifted in the damn woods. He clawed at my insides, growling, She’s here. She’s close.

I didn’t come here for this. I came for a meeting. An agreement. Political garbage that kept our lands from bleeding into war. But now? That all seemed so far away.

Because she was here.

And she was hurting.

Her scent hit me first—jasmine and ash. Then came the scent of blood, layered old and fresh beneath it. My jaw locked. Someone had been beating her. Often. My fists clenched at my sides as I sat across from Alpha Jace, pretending to care about whatever bullshit excuse he was giving for letting rogues cross the border last moon.

And then she walked in.

Tray in hand. Head bowed. Movements small, careful, like she knew one wrong step could earn her pain.

My mate.

She didn’t even glance my way. Didn’t hesitate when Jace snapped his fingers at her, didn’t flinch when he called her “girl” like she didn’t deserve a name.

I stood before I realized it. Her hands trembled as she set down the drinks—her wrist bruised, her lip split, eyes downcast.

She doesn’t know. She can’t feel it.

But I do.

Every cell in my body knows she’s mine. Every breath is war between instinct and restraint.

Don’t mind her,” Jace said with a smirk, waving her off like she was furniture. “She’s one of ours. Doesn’t talk much. Useless for most things, but good for keeping the wine from spilling.”

The way he spoke about her made my blood boil. My wolf growled, pacing beneath my skin. I had to breathe. I had to wait. Had to play the game.

She turned to leave.

My voice came out lower than I meant, rough with something ancient and deep.

“What’s your name?”

I look at Jace and force myself to smile like I’m not seconds from ripping his throat out.

She’s still in the room.

Still avoiding my eyes.

Still unaware that her life is about to change.

And now, I wait—watching her hands, her silence, the way her eyes flick to the door like she’s trying to escape.

She doesn’t know me.

But I’m going to change everything.