Dane's POV
I was already late for my meeting with Nathan. Since Hailee disappeared, we'd been more like strangers than cousins. We never talked about family or personal lives. Our conversations were strictly about business and contracts, nothing else. Even now, as the car rolled into his packhouse, it wasn't about catching up—it was about a business deal I wanted to propose to him. That was the only reason I was here. Or so I thought.
I stepped out, adjusting my jacket, my mind already on the numbers I'd rehearsed. But then— a small figure darted past the guards, almost colliding into me. A boy. Ten, maybe. His fiery red hair caught the sunlight, and for a moment my chest clenched so hard I couldn't breathe.
My wolf froze. Then it growled, sharp and certain, the sound echoing inside my head. Mine.
I staggered a step, staring down at him. Goddess. Those eyes—bright, brown eyes, unflinching. The same shade I saw in the mirror every morning. The same fire I carried in my blood.
