Ruby’s POV
The moment Manson’s lips touched mine, the world around us blurred into nothing. The weight of the trial, the watchful eyes of the pack, even the lingering tension in the air, all of it disappeared.
His grip on my waist was firm, possessive, as if he had been waiting for this moment forever. And maybe he had.
I had fought the mate bond for so long, convinced that fate had nothing to offer me. But now, standing here in his arms, I felt something I hadn’t allowed myself to believe in: belonging.
Manson pulled back slightly, his golden eyes searching mine. His thumb brushed against my cheek, and the warmth of his touch sent shivers down my spine.
“You did well,” he murmured. “You saw the truth when everyone else was blind.”
My breath was still shaky. “But we still don’t know
