Chapter 160

Ronan POV

The hotel room was dimly lit, washed in the muted glow of the bedside lamp. Heavy gold curtains were drawn tight over the windows, muffling the sounds of the city below into a queit, distant hum. The air smelled of expensive perfume – rose and vanilla layered so thick it clung to the back of my throat. Lila and I decided to meet here, since it was safer for her.

She sat on the edge of the bed, one long leg crossed over the other, her crimson dress hitched up to reveal the smooth pale line of her thigh. 

I closed the door behind me quietly, the latch clicking into place. My heart pounded in my chest, a deep thrumming that rattled my ribs. My wolf prowled beneath my skin, restless, and needy. It knew. It had always known.

But tonight, it roared: Mate.

The word burned thr