Chapter 36

Silence stretched between them.

Inside Cole, his wolf stirred. “She’s bargaining herself for another male,” the wolf growled. “Claim her. Bind her. Make her stay because she belongs.”

Cole swallowed, trying to ignore it. Another voice, quieter, steadier, cut through the growl.

“Let him go,” the wolf continued after a pause, reluctant but honest. “You already have her.”

Cole looked at Aria then; really looked at her. At the raw hope in her eyes. The way she was offering herself like a shield against, this time not with her body, but with her future. He wanted to be jealous but he knew he had no right to be, not after what happened earlier.

He nodded slowly.

“All right,” he said. “I’ll let him go.”

She heard him and relief crashed through her so hard her knees nearly gave out. “I’ll have him treated,” Cole added. “And escorted to the border. Alive.”

She let out a shaky breath, nodding. “Thank you.”

He watched her closely, something