Elijah
I could still feel the warmth of her hands wrapped around mine, like they were the only tether keeping me anchored to this world.
Her scent was everywhere. Rose and vanilla. Home.
“Mate,” I rasped, the word tearing from my throat like it had traveled miles to reach her.
The bond flared—bright and overwhelming. Hope. Relief. Love so fierce it nearly brought me to my knees.
“Elijah!” Chloe’s voice broke on my name.
Her tears hit my hand before I fully opened my eyes.
The room came into focus slowly. White walls. Soft beeping monitors. The faint scent of antiseptic. And her. Hovering over me like she’d been standing guard for days.
“Water,” I croaked, sitting up slightly and tapping at my throat.
“Of course, my love.” Her voice trembled, but her hands were steady. She grabbed
