Chapter 53

Kai POV

Something was wrong!

I felt it even before she voiced it out. As Hud reached out to Lily's wolf, ready to initiate the marking process, I felt resistance. Where there should have been an open channel, a merging of our wolves.

It was as if an invisible wall had been erected between us, blocking the connection I so desperately craved. I froze when I heard her plea, hating the way she moved away from me… confusion and frustration washed over me in equal measure.

Hud growled in displeasure, feeling the rejection in a way that stung deeper than I’d anticipated.

“Please! Let’s stop!” she said, pushing farther from me.

I pulled back, confusion and hurt etched across my features. Searching her eyes for answers. “Lily,” I said, trying to hide the pain in my voice. “What’s wrong? Did I… did I do something to upset you? Do you not… want this?”

She blinked, her expression filled with a mix of uncertainty, hesitation and guilt. “No, Kai, it’s not… I mean, I don’t…” she trailed off, she bit