The steady, rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor was the first thing Elara registered. The second was the heavy, comforting warmth enveloping her right hand.
She slowly peeled her eyes open, squinting against the soft amber light. She wasn't in the harsh, sterile environment of the pack infirmary, but tucked beneath the heavy, silk-lined covers of Kael’s private Alpha suite.
Beside her, Kael was sitting in a dark leather armchair pulled flush against the mattress. He was asleep, his head resting awkwardly near her hip, but both of his large, calloused hands were wrapped securely around hers. Even in absolute exhaustion, he hadn't let her go. He looked battered. His shoulder was heavily bandaged where the Storm-Hound had torn into him, and dark shadows stained the skin beneath his closed e
