Chapter 27

AUBREY'S POV The pack doctor had insisted on examining me, despite my protests that I was fine. Knox stayed outside during the checkup, his protective alpha energy radiating through the closed door. Now, back in my room, I could still feel the phantom pain from Jax's punishment, but something else burned hotter—rebellion. "You don't have to do this," Aria whispered in my mind as I heard Knox's footsteps approaching. "We can find another way." But I was already opening the door, already pulling him inside before he could protest. The moonlight streaming through my window cast everything in silver shadows, making Knox look otherworldly—beautiful and dangerous and somehow soft all at once. I hadn't expected his kiss to feel like this. When Jax ordered me to seduce Knox, I thought it would be mechanical, just a mission to complete. Instead, his lips met mine with a gentleness that made my chest ache. His hands framed my face like I was something precious, something worth protecting. "This