Kael's POV
Once Roman left, I stood staring at the door of the house, my fists tight at my sides. I was barely holding myself together. Her scent was everywhere—rich, wild, and merciless—and it was driving me to the edge of reason.
I didn't want to rush. I didn't want to lose my mind. For Roman's sake, I had been holding back, respecting the mark he had placed on her. But deep in my chest, where my wolf stirred, I had already decided: it should be me. I should be the one to mate with her. She had always been mine—my responsibility first.
Their leaving had made it easier, though not by much. Now the most difficult part remained. I had to go to her. I had to claim her. She would hate me more for it, but I was ready for her hate. Rafe was right—her safety came first. And I owed her. For everything I had taken from her, from us both, I had to make it right.
I would mark her. She would be my mate. The thing I had denied for so long would finally be done.
