CHAPTER SEVENTY ONE - SHOCKING REVELATION

Karina squeezed her eyes shut, expecting the bite of fangs or the crushing weight of a massive paw. Instead, a thick, coarse tongue swept across her cheek, leaving a trail of warm, wet fur. Curiosity battled with terror in her mind. Hesitantly, she peeked open one eye. The monstrous werewolf loomed just inches above her, its hot breath carrying a pungent, meaty tang. Yet, something in those slitted, golden eyes – a flicker of recognition, a desperate plea – shattered her image of a mindless beast. A choked gasp escaped her lips. "John?" she whispered, the single word trembling on her tongue. A low, guttural whine rumbled from the creature's throat, a sound that resonated deep within her. It dipped its head, nudging her shoulder with a massive paw surprisingly gentle in its touch. John? This couldn't be real. The billionaire CEO, the infuriating, arrogant enigma who'd rejected her, couldn't possibly be this hulking monstrosity. It was a cruel trick of her mind, a desperate hope clin