RYAN POV
I cupped her face with both hands, using my thumbs to gently wipe away the moisture gathering at the corners of her eyes. Her skin was warm, and soft, against my calloused fingers.
"I promise," I said, my was voice low and rough filled with emotion. "I won't throw my life away. Especially when I have something, someone, worth fighting for." I leaned down and pressed my forehead against hers. "But I need the same promise from you. No more letting Tara or anyone else corner you. Your power is waking up. Use it. Protect yourself fiercely, because if anything happens to you while I'm gone…"
My wolf snarled at the mere thought, pushing against my skin so hard my eyes turned gold for a second. Crystal noticed. Instead of pulling away, she smiled softly and placed her palm ove
