Two days. That explains the heaviness in my limbs. The disconnection. My body has been fighting to stay alive while I was absent.
I try to sit up. Pain flares hot across my back. She’s on her feet immediately.
“Don’t move. You need to stay still. Your injuries are extensive.” She’s leaning over me now. One hand on my shoulder. Gentle pressure keeping me down. “You almost died. Multiple times.”
“But I didn’t.” I squeeze her hand. Proving I’m here. Present. Alive.
“You did. On the transport.” Her voice catches. “Viktor’s medics had to resuscitate you. Your heart stopped. You were gone for—” She stops. Breathes. “But they got you back.”
I process this. Died. Came back. That explains the strange distance I felt.
Her presence fills my awareness now that I’m more conscious. Wolf and woman…mywoman. My wolf.
My dragon stirs with recognition. Satisfaction despite the pain. She’s here. She’s safe.
“Are you alright?” I ask.
She stares at me. “Am I—? You just almost died, and you’re asking if I’m alright?”
“Yes.”
“I’m fine. Not injured. The pack is fine. Viktor’s team got everyone out.” She’s still staring like I’ve said something incomprehensible.
The tension in my chest eases. She’s safe. Her pack survived. That matters more than my injuries.
“The others?” I ask. “The hybrids we rescued?”
“All alive. Viktor got them to Aurora medical immediately. They’re receiving treatment. Most are stable now.”
“Kaylin?”
“Critical but stable. The medics said she wouldn’t have survived another day in that facility.” Her expression softens. “You saved her life. Saved all their lives.”
I frown for a moment. “I couldn’t find them. The others… I couldn’t find more cells, and—” I pull in a breath.
“Shhhh…” She strokes my cheek. “The Aurora team scoured the building and found a separate wing where they were keeping more victims. Everyone is accounted for, Jericho.”
Everyone.
Twenty-three people. All alive. All safe. The mission succeeded despite the chaos.
I exhale a deep sigh.
Nadia leans closer. Her free hand comes up to cup my face. Careful. Like she’s afraid I’ll shatter.
“I want to kiss you,” she whispers. “Want to touch you properly. But I’m terrified I’ll hurt you.”
“You won’t.”
She leans in slowly. Her lips brush mine. Feather-light. Careful. The kiss is gentle, but I feel it everywhere, warmth spreading through me. The connection between us pulses stronger. More solid than before.
When she pulls back, silver gleams through the green of her eyes. Wolf close to the surface. My dragon responds. Contentment humming through me.
“Am I in custody?” The question I’ve been avoiding. “For Samien’s murder. For treason. Am I under arrest?”
“No.” Firm. Certain. “You’re not.”
I don’t understand. “Viktor detained me. You said there was compelling evidence. Video footage showing me near the scene. How—”
