Jasmin's POV
During these past weeks, I questioned myself endlessly about why I returned Max's kiss that night. How could I have allowed myself to cross such a dangerous boundary, letting down my defenses and surrendering to his magnetic pull until I lost all rational thought and melted into his touch? I convinced myself it was my inexperience speaking, my untouched body responding without thought. I blamed my wolf for being seduced by his in that heated moment, blamed myself for losing control under his intoxicating influence.
But sitting here in his lap, hearing him speak about that kiss with such raw intensity, a terrifying realization crashed over me like a tidal wave.
I had kissed Max back not because of my wolf's instincts, but because my heart had wanted it.
The truth hit me like a physical blow, and I found myself drowning in the depths of his burning gaze. Terror seized me as I scrambled away from his lap, sliding backward as if his touch had scorched my skin.
