My back pressed against the pillar as Rhys towered over me, his muscular frame effectively trapping me in place. The heat radiating from his body made my skin tingle with unwanted awareness.
"Get away from me," I hissed, placing my hands on his chest to push him back.
He didn't budge an inch. Instead, his dark eyes locked with mine, burning with intensity that made my stomach flip.
"Not this time, Elara," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "I'm done running."
"I'm not asking," I warned, my fingers curling against his shirt. "Move or I'll make you regret it."
A humorless smile curved his lips. "You already make me regret everything."
His scent—woodsy and spiced with something uniquely Rhys—wrapped around me like a physical caress. My inner wolf stirred, pushing against my consciousness with eager recognition.
_Mate. Our mate. Finally close._
I shoved the traitorous thoughts away. "I'm not playing games. Let me go."
