Nigel's determination wasn't something light or fleeting—it was the kind that rooted itself deep, like a wolf choosing its mate for life. I could feel it in the way he looked at me, steady and unwavering, like he had already marked me in his heart. He wanted me—not just for a moment, not just for convenience—but fully. Completely.
To him, I wasn't just Anastasia. I was the one he wanted to build a future with, the one he wanted to protect, to cherish, to give everything to. His instincts weren't subtle about it, even if he tried to mask them under casual words and easy smiles.
He leaned back in his chair, talking about the Alphas he had just met downstairs, his tone carrying both pride and exhaustion. "Most of them are powerful figures… wolves I'd never even get close to if it weren't for tonight," he said, running a hand through his hair. Then he sighed, his shoulders relaxing. "But honestly… I got bored."
