When consciousness slowly crept back into me, I found myself curled beneath a blanket, hair tangled across my shoulders, my body still shivering from the lingering effects of the drug. Even though I was finally safe, my senses still felt fire-hot and frozen at the same time, every nerve screaming with discomfort.
Then I noticed him Elliot standing there, his presence radiating strength, dominance, and the quiet authority of an Alpha. Even through the haze clouding my mind, I felt my reason slipping, my instincts screaming for him. Without thinking, my trembling voice asked, "Can… can you hug me?"
As if he had been waiting for that request, Elliot stepped closer, and his large, warm hands pulled me into his chest. His embrace was firm, protective, grounding everything I needed but couldn't admit I wanted. I pressed my face to his shoulder, feeling the tension in his muscles and the steady beat of his heart, a rhythm that called to my own wolf in ways I couldn't yet name.
