My fingers tug at his shirt, the fabric tearing under my grip, and I feel Eric’s hands on my shoulders, his lips moving lower, trailing fire across my skin. It’s raw, consuming, the kind of heat that could burn this whole pack house down. 

I want more—more of Rick, more of Eric, more of this bond that makes us whole, even without her.

“What the hell are you guys doing?” a voice snaps, sharp and raw, cutting through the haze.

I freeze, my lips still on Rick’s, my hands gripping his hair. I turn my head, slow and deliberate, and there she is—Lia, standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with shock, her face a storm of fury and something else, something that makes my wolf howl. 

My smirk widens, slow and deliberate, as I meet her gaze, letting her see every bit of the monster she hates.

Chapter 31: Flames of Return 🐺🔥🌙Lia's POV


I wake up slowly, my body heavy, the lumpy couch creaking beneath me. I'm still in that damn house, the air filled with dust and the faint smell of old wood.


I sit up, my eyes landing on Dean, sitting in the same spot as last night, his dark gaze fixed on me like he hasn't moved an inch.


My heart skips, the mate bond a sharp tug in my chest, pulling me toward him even though every part of me wants to run. I glare, my voice rough.


"How long have you been staring at me?"


He leans back, a slow grin spreading across his face, his voice low and teasing.


"Not long, Lia. I just like looking at you."


I flash a quick, sharp smile and stand, brushing off my borrowed clothes—Rick's, still carrying his scent.


"Okay, creep. Can you take me back to the pack now?"


He stands, stepping closer, his eyes glinting under the dim light. I freeze, my heart racing, remembering his hands on me that day—rough, wrong, unforgettable.


Chapter 32 - chapter 31