Chapter 9

Weston

“Weston,” she rasped, voice low but brimming with power.

I moved to her like a sentinel. “Dearest?”

Her fingers curled around my wrist. Energy slammed between us, shattering the remaining lights. Bennett backed away, pale as a ghost. “This…this is Primordial Heat. Her wolf is forcing the mating cycle to complete the bond before her Ancient-Line energy collapses.”

My blood burned. “And if we don’t?”

He couldn’t speak.

I planted my feet. “Say it.”

“If the bond isn’t sealed now,” he whispered, “the heat will climb until her organs fail.”

My instincts roared to claim her, but I saw her fear—her need to choose me. I looked at Alex. Her glow never faltered. “This isn’t your choice,” I said, voice steady.

She pulled me close, skin blazing beneath my palm. “It is. I chose you—before the poison, before the heat, before the moon could steal me.”

White fire danced in her eyes. “I was afraid.”

I pressed my forehead