Chapter 2

How had I not seen it last time?

There had been meters between us. Strangers blocking the street. How could he possibly predict the exact moment I would collapse?

Unless… he’d been watching. Waiting.

Waiting for my wolf soul to falter in public. Waiting for the chance to swoop in, to touch me—skin to skin—on a soul-deep level.

The thought made bile rise in my throat. I pinched my thigh hard enough to make my vision black, forcing myself awake.

An old lady caught my arm, concern in her eyes.

“Girl, you look pale. Are you sick?”

Emma’s nose caught it—the stench buried beneath his skin. A tainted bloodline.

“Don’t let him touch you!” she howled.

My breath came shallow, almost soundless. My voice broke into a desperate whisper:

“Help… please help me.”

“What was that, girl?” The old lady frowned, unable to hear me clearly.

My heart thrashed. I gripped her arm tight, veins bulging.

“Help me cross the street. Please.”

But Michael was already striding closer, unhurried, confident.

My chest pounded so hard it felt like my ribs would snap. And in a flash, I saw the future—

The pup grown, sneering down at me.

“Twenty years you worked and you can’t even give me a million?”

“If you won’t hand over money, then don’t expect me to call you mother!”

My legs buckled. My vision blurred.

“Girl, I should call an ambulance!” the old lady said, voice rising.

And then a hand pressed over her phone, stopping the call.

Michael’s voice slid into my ear, smooth as poison.

“No need for that. She just skipped a meal, a little dizzy. Green light’s on—you go ahead. I’ll take care of her.”

His voice was honey-sweet.

My body recoiled instinctively. To resist the pull of that cursed bond, I slapped myself. Twice. Hard.

The sting exploded across my cheek, drawing stares from every side.

Michael bent down, concern painted across his face, his voice soft with indulgence.

“Darling, why hurt yourself? It’s nothing serious. You fainted, but I’m here. Don’t be afraid.”

The old lady hesitated. The crowd murmured, nodding along.

“See? Your mate’s right here, so gentle. Look, he even brought food. Sit down, eat something.”

In Michael’s eyes, a flicker of triumph gleamed. He reached out, hand stretching toward my shoulder—