Chapter 19 – The Claim

The Claim

Alexander's entire body went rigid.

The word mine echoed through his mind, but it hadn't come from him.

It had come from her.

His golden eyes flickered down to Aria, who was still curled up against him, her breath warm against his chest. She was asleep, but the bond between them was pulsing, thrumming with something new, primal, undeniable.

His wolf, Axel, stirred violently.

She's claiming us. Even if she doesn't realize it.

Alexander's grip tightened around her. He had spent years mastering control, burying the instincts that made him Alpha, but Aria was unraveling all of it with just a single whispered word.

Mine.

A growl rumbled in his chest.

She was in heat, vulnerable, and his presence was the only thing keeping her from falling apart. His wolf knew what she needed. What they both needed.

But he refused to take advantage of her weakness.

So he did the only thing he could.