CHAPTER FOURTEEN

It's a long walk back to the cabin, and I'm sure Max can see that I'm struggling. I'm so weak that I can barely stand up. I lean against him, and he puts his arm around me to support me.

"I'm fine," I say.

"Don't be ridiculous," he says. "You're hurt and you're exhausted. You need to let me help you."

I know he's right, so I don't argue.  Instead, I just lean against him. He's warm and strong, and I can feel his heart pounding.  He's a fast walker, and I can tell that he's clearly in shape.  I'm grateful to him for saving me.

Without him, I'm sure I would have died.  I try to remind myself that he's not my true mate.  But something inside tells me that he is.  It's too strong to ignore.

Something about him calls to me and makes me feel like I can trust him.

I lean against him and take in the smell of his skin. It's rich and earthy, and I can smell the scent of the woods on him. It's just like the musk of a bear.  So strong and manly that I feel weak in the knees.

I look up at