Jane did not sleep that night.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Alex standing in the moonlight. His silver gaze. His clenched jaw. The way his voice dropped when he told her to leave. The restraint in his hands. The tension in his body like a wire pulled too tight.
Her heart refused to calm down.
Her skin still tingled where he almost touched her.
She turned over in bed and stared at the dark ceiling.
"What is happening to me?" she whispered.
She had moved to Switzerland for peace. Instead, she walked straight into something dangerous, mysterious, and addictive.
By morning, exhaustion weighed heavy on her body.
Granny noticed immediately.
"You look pale," Granny said, placing a cup of tea in front of her. "Did you sleep at all?"
Jane hesitated. "Not really."
Granny studied her face too closely. Jane didn't like it.
"You went near the forest last night," Granny said quietly.
Jane's head snapped up. "How did you know?"
Granny sighed and sat down slowly.
"The pull has started," she said.
Jane's chest tightened. "You keep saying things that don't make sense."
Granny reached across the table and took her hand. Her grip was warm and steady.
"I wanted to protect you," she said. "But you're not a child anymore."
Jane swallowed. "Protect me from what?"
Granny met her eyes.
"From your blood."
Jane's breath caught.
"You carry Luna blood," Granny said softly. "Your mother did too. She hid it. I helped her hide it. But blood doesn't stay quiet forever."
Jane pulled her hand back slowly.
"This is insane," she whispered. "I'm human."
"You were raised human," Granny corrected. "But you were never meant to stay that way."
Jane stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor.
"I need air."
She walked out before Granny could stop her.
The town felt different that day.
People looked at her longer. Some with curiosity. Some with quiet respect. Others with something darker.
Jane felt exposed.
Her senses felt sharper. Sounds louder. Smells stronger. Her emotions sat closer to the surface.
She tried to distract herself by meeting Lena and Mira.
They sat near the river, throwing small stones into the water.
"You look like crap," Lena said bluntly.
"Thank you," Jane muttered.
Mira leaned closer. "Did something happen with Alex?"
Jane froze.
"Why would you ask that?"
"Because the whole town knows when the Alpha gets restless," Mira said. "And he's been restless since you arrived."
Jane swallowed hard.
She didn't answer.
The air shifted suddenly.
Jane felt it before she saw him.
Alex approached from behind the trees, moving with calm power. He wore dark jeans and a black jacket. His expression was tight. Controlled. Dangerous.
Lena immediately stood. "We should go."
Mira followed without question.
Jane remained seated.
Alex stopped in front of her.
"Walk with me," he said.
It wasn't a request.
Jane stood slowly. Her heart pounded hard against her chest.
They walked in silence toward the edge of town. The closer they got to the forest, the heavier the air felt.
"What do you want?" Jane finally asked.
"To fix what's happening," Alex replied.
"You mean control it," she said.
"Yes," he said honestly. "Because you're waking up and you don't understand what that means."
Jane crossed her arms. "Then explain instead of ordering me around."
Alex stopped walking.
"You're Luna-blooded," he said. "That means you don't belong to just one pack. Your presence affects every wolf around you. You draw attention. Desire. Power struggles."
Jane's stomach twisted.
"So I'm some kind of prize?"
Alex's jaw tightened.
"You're more than that. But others won't see it that way."
Jane whispered, "And you?"
His eyes softened slightly.
"I see danger," he said. "And temptation."
Her heart skipped.
They stood near the forest edge again.
The pull returned instantly.
Jane stepped closer without realizing it.
Alex noticed.
His breathing changed.
"Stop," he warned.
"I didn't move," she lied.
"You did," he said quietly. "And so did I."
The space between them disappeared.
Jane's pulse raced wildly. Her body felt warm despite the cold air.
Alex's hand lifted and gently touched her wrist.
Electricity shot through her arm.
Jane gasped softly.
His grip tightened slightly, not painful. Possessive. Protective.
"Do you feel that?" he asked.
"Yes," she whispered.
"That's the bond starting," he said. "It shouldn't be this fast."
Jane's free hand pressed against his chest instinctively. His heartbeat was strong and steady under her palm.
Alex inhaled sharply.
"Don't touch me like that," he said through clenched teeth.
"Why?"
"Because I'm losing control."
His eyes darkened dangerously.
Jane's breath hitched.
"I don't understand why you scare me and make me feel safe at the same time," she admitted quietly.
Alex's hand moved from her wrist to her waist.
The contact sent heat flooding through her body.
He pulled her closer.
Not rough.
Not gentle.
Controlled power.
"Because you belong with me," he said lowly. "And your human mind is fighting what your blood already knows."
Jane shook her head weakly.
"I don't belong to anyone."
Alex leaned down until his forehead touched hers.
"You will," he whispered. "And it terrifies me how badly I want you to choose me."
Their lips hovered inches apart.
Jane's breathing was shallow.
Her heart begged her to close the distance.
Alex cursed softly and pulled back suddenly.
"No," he said. "Not yet."
Jane stared at him, confused and shaken.
"If I claim you before you're ready," he continued, "you'll lose yourself. And I won't let that happen."
"Claim me?" she whispered.
Alex stepped back fully now.
"Go home," he said again. "Before I forget how to be patient."
Jane stood frozen as he turned and disappeared into the trees.
Her knees felt weak.
Her chest burned.
The Alpha was losing control.
And so was she.