CHAPTER 43

　　Long after training had ended, Nicole asked herself why, despite everything, she had only noticed a change in herself when she interacted with Liam, especially when they touched.

　　The effect of his mark on her had faded with her wolf. She wasn't supposed to be affected by him, yet he was indirectly the reason why her body came alive.

　　She had found herself getting lost in the training, feeling a sense of excitement as she pushed her body to the limit. She was starting to feel alive again, and for the first time in a long time, she felt like herself.

　　She remembered it clearly as she lay in her bed that night; the electricity that coursed through her when they sparred, when they toppled on each other. She remembered clearly how she felt when their bodies pressed against each other. The kiss…. The way he looked at her… the way he held her protectively as they walked away.