I feel it — like a thread weaving itself around my heart, binding me to him with a force I can't resist.
My skin tingles, my pulse racing as his thumb strokes the back of my hand, each touch sending heat curling through me. But beneath the desire, doubt gnaws at my resolve. Is this real, or just another Alpha's game to get what he wants?
"I feel it," I murmur, barely able to breathe, my voice a whisper of confession. "But…" I pull back slightly, fighting against the magnetic pull between us.
"I don't know what this is, Lucian." Or if I can trust it, I add silently. Trust you.
He smiles, just a hint, as though he understands more than he lets on. "It's destiny, Talia." His words settle over me like a vow. "You were meant to be mine."
The words make my heart stutter, but I force myself to remember why I'm here. He wants Shadow Ridge's secrets, that's all this is. Another Alpha trying to seduce what he wants from me. I've played this game before, and I won't be a pawn again. Not when the stakes are so high.
"I know what you're doing," I whisper, though my body betrays me by leaning into his touch. "Using seduction to pry Shadow Ridge's secrets from me."
Hurt flashes across his face before his expression darkens with intensity. "You think that's what this is?" He pulls me closer, his hand sliding to my neck. "I don't care about secrets, Talia. I want you."