Elijah's aims were wrapped tightly around me, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. I could feel his heartbeat through his shirt, and for a moment, it drowned out every fear and drilst lurking in the back of my mind. I nestled closer, savoring the warmth and safety of being held by him.

But he was ton quiet-too still. I shifted slightly, looking up hunted, and I knew his mind was far away.

linds gaze fixed on the tent's fabric above us. His eyes looked

my fingers along his jaw. He turned as head, giving me a small, half-hearted smile.

"Elijah?" I whispered, brushing my

"Sorry," he murmured. "Didn't mean to wake you"

1 shook my head. "You didn't.

'L. What's going

going on?"

He didn't answer but gave me a small smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Can't sleep?" Lcontinued stilling curious about what was on his mind.

He shook his head. "I was just thinking."

"About what?"

He looked away, his jaw tightening. "About my parents," he finally sad, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Being with you. with all of you... it makes it easier to forget sometimes. To push the pain to the back of my mind and just... live."

My chest tightened, and I reached up to brush my fingers along his wline. “Elijah.......“.

He gave me a sad smile. "I still see them sometimes, in my dreams. The way they looked the last time I saw them tge day we were leaving. I can't help but wonder what their last moments were."

My heart ached for him, and I cupped his face gently, forcing him to meet my gaze. "You didn't fail them. They would be proud of you, Elijah, You're strong, and you're fighting to protect those you care about. You're doing everything you can like the good Alpha

you are"

He hesitated, his hands trembling slightly as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "You make it easier to breathe, you

know that?"

even though my heart felt heavy. "You guys do the same

pressing his forehead to mine. "No

I love you!

you,"

into my heart. I pulled him closer, kissing him softly, His lips were warm and tender against mine, and I poured every ounce of my feelings into that kiss, letting

should probably get going. The others are waiting."

greeted us, and I spotted the others gathered around

raised an eyebrow. "Finally awake,

of us actually

grinned. "Or maybe you just needed Elijah's warm embrace to

1/3

Chapter 163

job, but I

were all gother: J. Austin glanced

looking for in

tablet, "Only with the

are thousands

single one?-

pulling out the worn

create endless

means we

at each other, knowing it was

Pines is a mystical

our clothes and

waterproof bags to carry. I inhaled deeply before te ting my

fur burst forth, coating my body in shimmering silver light. It

wolf, Isaiah's sleek smoky grey, Alex's and Austin's golden brown wolf-all

me, ready for the

the forest, paws pounding the earth, and the thrill of freedom made my heart

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