I press closer. Feel him still inside me. Feel the bond humming steady. Feel his breathing slow as he starts to drift.
And I let myself drift with him. Safe. Claimed. Home.
Chapter 34
Jericho
Viktor’s office is crowded. The Aurora tactical team leads. Kieran and Ember. Tabitha is near the window. Nadia’s people—Merric, Rook, Sienna, Declan, and Briar—are positioned near the back.
I’m standing beside Nadia, our shoulders touching. The mate mark on my neck is visible. Fresh. Hers matches mine.
Everyone can see what we are now.
Viktor stands at his desk. Surveys the room, fixes on me. “Commander Allon. Good to see you recovered.”
“Commander Parlance.” I nod once.
“I asked everyone here to make this official.” Viktor’s voice carries authority. “Jericho Allon is no longer under suspicion for Samien Khalef’s murder. The investigation proved conclusively that the evidence was fabricated. He was framed.”
Murmurs around the room. Some surprised. Others nodding.
“Furthermore, his actions during the hybrid rescue demonstrated what kind of person he is. He risked his life to save innocents. People the Syndicate had tortured and experimented on. With no concern for his own safety.” Viktor looks directly at me. “You’re accepted here, Jericho. Unconditionally. As a member of Aurora, if you choose to join us. Or simply as an ally.”
Unconditional. No demands for loyalty or obedience. Just acceptance.
Different from Syndicate. They gave me purpose but demanded everything in return. These people offer something else entirely.
“I agree,” Tabitha speaks from the window. Her voice is steady despite visible grief. “I blamed you for Samien’s death. I was wrong. You proved yourself when you went back for that girl. When you could have escaped but chose to save her instead.” She meets my eyes. “I’m sorry for what I said.”
“Your grief was justified,” I say.
“Maybe. But you’re not the enemy. And Aurora is lucky to have you.”
Kieran shifts near Ember. His expression is neutral. “The Syndicate took three years of my life. Tortured me. Experimented on me like those hybrids you rescued.” He pauses. “But you went in there. Got them out. Risked everything for people who couldn’t fight back.” He nods once. “That counts.”
The acceptance from Kieran—someone with every reason to hate anything connected to Syndicate—registers.
My dragon is content. Not just from the mate bond. From this. People accepting us without demanding that we prove ourselves first.
Merric steps forward. The massive silver wolf who fought beside me at Vex’s facility. In human form, he’s tall, almost eyeto eye with me. Broad-shouldered, his alpha presence natural and unforced.
“We fought well,” he says, the hint of a southern drawl dragging out the vowels. “Dragon and wolf. You saved my life twice during that battle. I returned the favor. That’s what matters.”
I remember. Him taking down the copper dragon that had me pinned. Me clearing operatives from his flank when he was surrounded. Fighting as partners despite being strangers.
“You fight with honor,” I say.
He nods. “Anytime I’m staring down death, I’d be happy to have you at my side. And that’s saying somethin’.” He slaps a hand on my shoulder. I don’t withdraw. Respect acknowledged and returned.
The door opens. Ember enters carrying folded paper. She crosses to me. “This came from medical. Kaylin Foster asked someone to write it for her.” She hands it over. “She wanted you to have it.”
I unfold the paper, trying not to show that my hands are shaking.
Commander Allon,
I don’t have words for what you did. You came back for me when you could have escaped. You carried me out when I couldn’t walk. You saved my life and the lives of twenty-two others who would have died in that place.
I’ll never forget you. None of us will. Thank you for seeing us as people worth saving. Thank you for risking everything.
