Every brush of his lips

Melissa stared into Radulf's eyes, her cheeks already burning. Was his way of awakening her wolf really through a kiss?

"You and Black are the same, but he's your wolf," she murmured, trying to steady her thoughts. "He's cute."

Radulf smirked. "That means I'm cute too."

Melissa blinked rapidly, momentarily thrown off. "Huh?" She quickly shook her head. "You? No way. I—I'm going to my chamber now. I need to rest."

The truth was, she needed a moment alone—to process the overwhelming intimacy of it all.

Radulf's jaw dropped down to hear her words. She admired Black but not him. What kind of nonsense was that? "Rest here," he said, taking a step toward her, "from now onward, you will stay here. I will punish the servants in your service if you don't listen to me."

"What? But didn't you always say how badly my pheromones affect you? Do you really think it's a good idea to keep me close?" Melissa questioned, her voice laced with uncertainty.