?Chapter 104:

Kade ignored my response and continued. “As the Lycan King, your bloodline is more powerful. The bond might manifest differently than it does with regr wolves.”

I paused, considering his words.

“The bond might still be forming,” Kade added, “especially as Jasmine’s wolf matures. You may not have experienced the full force of it yet.”

I thought back to my interactions with Jasmine. The connection, the protectiveness, the need to own her that consumed me…

“But what if you’re wrong?” I challenged.

Kade’s expression turned serious. “What if I’m right, Ryder? What if Jasmine is your mate?”

I took a deep breath, weighing the possibilities. I could only think of one word, no, two.

Damn.

JASMINE

Iy in Ryder’s bed, wrapped up in the warmth of his scent—sandalwood with a hint of coffee. A small smile tugged at my lips as I hugged his shirt to my face, breathing him in. It had been a week since the incident, and while he had apologized, he never really exined what triggered his wolf. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. His words still echoed in my mind: “I’m sorry, Jasmine. I never meant to hurt you.”

He sounded so sincere, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. Ryder’s eyes, once so open and full of life, now seemed… distant. Guarded. Whatever we had before—after that date where I actually saw the yful side of him—was slipping away. He wasn’t teasing me as much, and damn, I even missed that stupid smirk of his. Sure, our nights were still filled with passion, the kind that left me breathless, like a fire that wouldn’t quit. His touch always sent sparks through me. But emotionally? I felt… empty. Like there was a distance between us that we couldn’t cross. Our connection was still strong, but fragile, like a thread barely holding together. I couldn’t stop thinking about thatst night.

“Ryder?” I whispered, barely audible in the darkness.

He stirred, his arm wrapping tighter around my waist. “What’s wrong?”

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“Is there something you’re not telling me?” My voice was soft, but I was searching his face, hoping for something real.

Ryder’s expression softened, but his eyes avoided mine. “No, there’s nothing,” he replied carefully.

That tension between us hung in the air like a cloud that wouldn’t go away, pressing down on me.

I sighed, frustrated. “Then why do I feel like this?”

Ryder took my hand,cing his fingers with mine. His touch was warm,forting. “Maybe you’re just not used to sharing a bed with me yet,” he said, shing me a quick wink and azy smile.

It was meant to ease my mind, but the unease wouldn’t leave. He was dodging my questions, deflecting like the smooth talker he was. As I drifted off to sleep, his words echoed in my mind: “I’ll never hurt you again, Jasmine. I promise.”

But the shadows in his eyes told a different story.

I hugged his shirt tighter, the memory of his touch washing over me. Ryder had this way of getting under my skin. His touch was addictive, intoxicating, leaving me wanting more every time. I missed the feel of his lips on mine, his strong arms around me, the way his broad shoulders felt against my cheek when I rested my head on him. But it was always him taking charge, leaving me breathless, and somehow, still wanting more. When he wasn’t around, it felt like a part of me was missing.

“Jasmine?”

I nearly jumped at the sound of his voice. I hadn’t even heard hime in. His blue eyes were locked on me, searching, trying to read my thoughts.

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