CATRIONA
My heart was pounding, ready to shatter into pieces as I leaned in and kissed him, my tears mixing with our shared breath.
“You don’t have to be afraid,” I whispered. “Because I’m here. You have me.”
I took his hand, pressing it to my heart.
“You’re not that broken, hopeless boy anymore. You’re a man now. A strong Alpha. The kind people fear and follow. This is your kingdom, Gabriel—so stand tall and show them how a true king rules. Those who hurt us never cared how we felt. So it's up to us to rise, to heal—yes, painfully—but stronger. She had the right to break you once, in the past. But the past doesn’t rule now. I do. We do.”
I reached up and brushed my fingers across his cheek, grounding him—and myself.
“So promise me you won’t run from your responsibilities because of
