CHAPTER 24

Eva stood frozen. The world narrowed until all she could see was Zayne. Her lips parted, but no words came out. Her breath caught somewhere between her lungs and her throat, refusing to move. Her heart beat so loudly in her ears she could barely hear anything else—except the words he’d just said. “I love you.” Did he just say that? In front of everyone? At a time like this? Zayne’s voice had been unwavering. It was clear and honest. He said it loud enough for everyone in the clearing to hear. And now, there was silence. Stunned silence. The pack stared at them.. The Elders looked scandalized. And Eva… she felt like her soul had been cracked open. He said it. He actually said it. In front of everyone. She didn’t even know what to do with the storm of emotions unraveling inside her—hope, longing, disbelief, fear. He just said that like it’s the most reasonable thing In the middle of a war-brewing confrontation, with eyes on them like knives? Zayne was still staring at her like