Liam’s POV
I held Leila’s face in my hands, the world narrowing to the soft curve of her cheek, the steady beat of her heart beneath my palm. The candlelight danced across her skin, warm and alive, just as she was. I could feel every emotion rushing through me, love, relief, the raw fear of losing her. My brothers stood behind us, their eyes bright with purpose and promise. Henry and Elijah had already completed the mark, binding themselves to her in the sacred way our pack honored. Now it was my turn.
Her eyes shone with trust and something tender, hope, maybe. My heart ached with the weight of it. Relief washed over me that at last I could claim my place beside her, that I could be hers in every way. But beneath the relief was fear: fear of failing her, fear of losing her again.
I dr
