KATHERINE

My chest pounded—boom, boom, boom—with the frantic beats of my heart.

The image became so vivid, so real in my mind.

He was beautiful. His dark brown fur gleamed, and his wild red pupils seemed to stare straight into my soul.

I was speechless for a moment, unsure of what to say. I had never imagined that presence could invade my senses like this.

“I… I didn’t mean to hurt you, sweetheart. I just… I just like you too much, my mate. I might seem intimidating, but today, in the forest… I