Chapter 17. Lesson in Trust

Ella’s heart raced as she stood in the clearing, the forest around her whispering with the soft rustle of leaves, the air cool against her skin.

She could feel his eyes on her, piercing, intense, watching her every move, every breath. It made her nervous… it made her heart flutter… it made her feel alive.

“Relax,” Damian’s voice was deep, steady, soothing as he stepped behind her, his presence commanding, overwhelming. “You’re too tense. You need to let go.”

Ella swallowed, her body trembling as his warmth surrounded her, his scent intoxicating. “I… I can’t… I’m scared…”

He moved closer, his chest brushing her back, his voice low and firm. “Your wolf is strong… she just needs to be set free.”

His words wrapped around her, his confidence, his strength, his belief in her sinking into her bones, chasing away her fears.

She took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she closed her eyes, reaching out to her wolf, to the voice that had been quiet for so