~Lyra's POV~
The kiss stretched into what looked like eternity, deep and devouring, until Ryland finally pulled away. A sharp pang of disappointment sliced through me, leaving me breathless and aching for more.
"Don't worry, love," he murmured, his voice a low, dangerous rumble that sent electricity skittering down my spine. "We'll get back to exactly where we left off… and then some."
My wolf surged against the fragile walls I'd spent months reinforcing, clawing desperately to break free. I tried to speak, but the words tangled in my throat.
"I… I…"
Before I could form a single coherent thought, Ryland's arms banded around me like steel, pulling me flush against his hard chest. His mouth claimed mine again, this time gentler at first, a tender exploration that quickly spiraled into raw hunger. He sucked on my lower lip, then bit down just hard enough to draw a helpless moan from deep within me.
His lips trailed to my ear, hot breath ghosting over my skin as he whispered,
