My heart skipped a beat as our lips touched, and goosebumps formed on my neck. His warm gaze sent a fluttering sensation through me, prompting me to lean closer, bridging the gap between us. I sensed that he shared my feelings, even though neither of us had openly acknowledged them. "Ember?" A man's voice interrupted, and I turned to see Tristan's eyes – eyes that held pain and betrayal. He seemed to be hurt by the revelation that I, an omega, was his destined partner. With a resolve not to let him affect me again, I looked away, telling myself never to look back. Dex, his possessive arm around me, stepped forward protectively. "Ember isn't yours anymore," he said firmly, his alpha authority evident as Tristan clenched his jaw. The other wolf restrained Tristan, preventing any further confrontation. I tried to push aside the turmoil in my stomach and offer Dex a smile, hoping to reconnect with him, but his next words shattered the moment. "No one is watching now, so you can remove your hands." His quiet reminder served as a cold splash of reality, sparing me from potential embarrassment in front of others. He withdrew from my touch, turned, and walked away. Deep down, I knew I shouldn't have entertained the idea of something more. After all, I was just his temporary companion, and I needed to remember my role.
