I clung to Elias, my arms wrapped tightly around his neck, the university forms crinkling between us as tears streamed down my face.
The hug was fierce, born of overwhelming gratitude, my body trembling against his solid frame. His warmth seeped through me, that cedar-smoke alpha scent grounding me even as emotions crashed like waves.
How long had I dreamed of this? And here he was, the man who'd caged me, handing me the key. The bond pulsed with a mix of joy and lingering insecurity, but in this moment, love drowned out the doubts.
"Elias, " I whispered, pulling back just enough to look at him, my voice thick with sobs. "I... I can't believe you did this.”
His golden eyes softened, a rare vulnerability cracking his alpha facade. One hand cupped my cheek, thumb gently wiping
