Orion's POV
Marshall pounded through the forest until dawn broke, his massive paws striking the ground with each thunderous step. My bear needed to run after everything that happened last night. I let him take control while I tried to silence the war raging in my head.
Dalia's face wouldn't leave me alone. Her sweet smile when she saw Marshall. The way she reached toward my beast without fear, like she understood him somehow. Those damn eyes that seemed to see right through to my soul.
But then the other memories crashed in. Uncle's body hitting the ground. The blood pooling beneath him. His skin turning cold and blue while I watched, helpless. His final words echoing in my ears, making me promise to protect her. The same girl whose presence had gotten him killed.
I couldn't let these twisted feelings win. Whatever I felt for Dalia was just grief playing tricks on my mind. Nothing more.
Marshall wanted to turn back, to check if she'd made it safely inside. I crushed that urge.
