Time stopped as those crimson eyes locked with mine. My wolf's joyful howl echoed inside my head, but all I could feel was ice spreading through my veins.
*No. This can't be happening.*
The massive black wolf before me—Rhys Knight—took a cautious step forward, his ears perked in shock. Recognition flashed in those blood-red eyes, followed by something else: triumph.
*MATE,* his wolf seemed to call to mine.
I retreated a step, my white paws digging into the soft earth. This was impossible. Rhys had rejected me four years ago. He'd shattered our bond and left me to endure pain that nearly killed me.
*How?* I asked my wolf, panic rising in my throat. *How is he our mate again?*
My wolf whined, confused but elated. *Always mate. Never stopped.*
Another step back. The black wolf's ears flattened slightly at my retreat, a low rumble starting in his chest.
*This isn't right,* I argued with my wolf. *Orion—*
*Not mate,* my wolf cut me off. *This one. Only this one.*
