Oliver's POV
I expected her to flinch, to pull away in fear. Instead, she let out a sob and rushed forward, throwing her arms around my waist. She buried her face in my leather jacket, clinging to me as if I were the only solid thing left in the world.
I froze, my heart hammering against my ribs. Her scent—and fear—hit me all at once, making my wolf howl with a desperate need to protect her. My hands hovered over her back, aching to hold her, but I forced my fingers to stay curled into fists at my sides.
"I'm sorry," she choked out against my chest. "I didn't know who else to call. Oliver… Oliver wasn't answering. Please, don't leave me here."
Hearing her say my name—my real name—while she clung to my shadow made my head spin. She had no idea that the man whom she couldn't reach was the same man she was holding onto right now.
I let out a short breath, finally letting one hand rest tentatively on her shoulder. I didn't hug her back, but I didn't push her away either.
