Darius's POV
The air around Celina seemed to pulse with an energy that made my chest tight and my thoughts scattered. Every breath I took carried her scent, and it was driving me to the edge of control.
I had grown accustomed to women throwing themselves at my feet, but Celina was an enigma. She possessed this quiet confidence that made me want to conquer and protect her simultaneously. The mate bond between us strengthened with each passing hour, and my wolf was becoming increasingly difficult to contain.
Tonight had been particularly challenging. While the other contestants visited the hospital, I had used the time to handle pack business, but my mind kept wandering back to her.
The evening's festivities began with unexpected triumph. Celina claimed victory in the first Luna trial, and though it should not have surprised me, watching her face light up with genuine joy made something primal stir within me.
