Maliyla's POV
"Mate," were the first words that escaped my lips when I saw him. Instantly, I rushed past Dr. Neal and toward Hector, embracing him tightly. At that moment, a surge of love, relief, and pure elation flooded my being. Every worry, every doubt, all of it vanished as I held Hector in my arms, knowing we were destined to be together. The mate bond connects us on a level that words could never fully capture.
Staring into Hector's blue eyes, I whispered, "MINE," as I kissed his lips.
After a few moments, we finally pulled away, and I saw Hector's face brighten as he kissed my forehead and held me tight in a warm embrace. Several moments after I pulled away, I realized what I had said. Embarrassed, I noticed that my face was heating up, yet Hector seemed unconcerned; instead,
