The Alpha's Unforeseen Intervention

The water embraced me like a second skin as I cut through it, stroke after powerful stroke. Swimming had always been my refuge when my thoughts became too chaotic, when control seemed just beyond my grasp. Tonight, it wasn't helping.

Hazel's scent lingered in my house, in my mind. Every breath I took was filled with her—honeysuckle and sunshine teasing my senses, driving my wolf to near madness. I'd told myself that I was strong enough to resist, that my decades of discipline would see me through this. I was beginning to doubt my own conviction.

Three more laps. Just three more, and then maybe I could attempt to sleep.

A soft noise at the pool house entrance made me pause mid-stroke. I surfaced, wiping water from my eyes, to find her standing there—Hazel, my torment, my salvation. She wore an oversized t-shirt that barely reached mid-thigh, her hair tousled from sleep. The sight of her nearly stopped my heart.