River POV
Max's joyful howling filled my mind, making it impossible to think straight. He had been worried that she wouldn't accept us, and honestly, I shared the same fear. But there it was, written on a piece of paper right in front of me, the very words I never thought I would hear or see in my life.
I looked into her eyes, and before I could utter a word, she boldly leaned in and kissed me. Her lips were soft against mine, and I could feel the warmth of her breath. Overwhelmed with happiness, I placed my hands on her sides and lifted her onto my lap. The taste of her lips consumed me, a mix of sweetness and desire.
Although I had expected it to take time for her to understand the bond, I was thrilled that she felt it too. Despite being a stranger to her, I was determined to never le
