Drake's POV:
Even though she wasn't completely my mate—my whole mate—she was still mine. Her wolf was my wolf's mate, and that bond, fractured as it was, still bound us together. I had to protect her, even if I was slowly losing my grip on how.
Most nights, I found myself avoiding her on purpose, knowing full well that staying close would only weaken my already fragile control. Yet, I couldn't keep away. From the shadows, I followed her, watching, making sure she was safe. Tonight was no different. I was supposed to be in bed with her, holding her through the night, but she kept making that impossible. Her seductive advances had become relentless, every touch, every lingering gaze tempting me to give in.
My control was slipping.