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She seemed shocked for an instant, but she didn’t try to persuade him he was being ridiculous or over-the-top with his emotions. Instead, she put her hand to his cheek and caressed lightly. “I was sure I’d never see you again either, so I did my best to tell you how I felt about you in the last few seconds.”

“I didn’t sense that, but I knew you were reaching out to me. I started running to you even before the building had finished collapsing.” He tightened his grip on her hands, bringing them against his chest. “There’s nothing in the world more important to me than you. I’ll happily walk away from being Alpha and even leave the Northstar pack entirely if need be. I’d rather be alone or a rogue wolf with you by my side than give you up just to appease other people.”

A tear sparkled on her lashes for just a moment, but she blinked, and it slid down her cheek. That appeared to be the last tear, because then she smiled. A moment later, she leaned forward and kissed him lightly. He was