I push back against my wolf's demands, but I can't deny the truth in his words. With each passing moment, my control slips a little more.
I reach for Talia’s hand as we approach the mansion, my fingers brushing against hers, and I can’t deny the jolt of pleasure that courses through me when she doesn't pull away.
"You impressed them today," I tell her softly. "The Darkguard doesn't give respect easily, but you earned it." I pause, watching emotion flicker across her face. "I hope you'll start to feel at home here."
Her eyes glisten for a moment before she blinks it away, but her chin lifts with that defiance that makes my blood heat. "I appreciate your effort in helping me gain acceptance, Alpha Lucian," she says carefully. "And I look forward to the next challenge."
We reach her door, and Ragnar surges within me. “Take her inside. Strip away her defenses. Make her ours.”
I clench my jaw, forcing my wolf's hunger down. "Get some rest," I manage, my voice rougher than intended. "I'll see you at dinner."
As I turn away, her spicy scent—pepper and nutmeg—lingers in my nose, a dangerous temptation I'm finding harder to resist with each passing moment.
LATER THAT EVENING