Xander couldn't sleep after the hall. Especially not after he saw Aire leaving the hall with Nate.
His wolf would not settle.
Not even for a second.
The bond between mates was not something that could simply be silenced. It lingered constantly beneath the skin like another heartbeat.
Usually, Xander had control over his instincts.
Tonight, he did not.
He stood near the balcony of his chambers with one hand braced against the stone railing while cold wind swept through the open doors behind him.
His head hurt.
It felt like something was splitting him apart from the inside.
Xander's breathing roughened slightly as another wave slammed into him unexpectedly with pain.
The pain was sharp and deep behind his eyes.
His hand tightened violently against the railing until the stone cracked faintly beneath his grip.
"What the hell…" he muttered.
His wolf snarled violently beneath his skin.
Possessiveness surged through him so suddenly it nearly staggered him backward.
