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"I mean I'm tired of looking over my shoulder. Of being afraid. I want to face whatever comes, but I want a real chance with you," I say, my words gaining strength as I speak them. His eyes narrow slightly, and I can see the weretiger within him stirring, protective instincts flaring to life.

Raj’s face softens, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Are you sure?" His voice carries a gentle caution, but underneath it, I sense a surge of hope, a longing that matches my own.

"More sure than I've ever been about anything," I say, and to my surprise, it's true. The safety he gives me isn't just about physical protection—it's a balm for my heart, a shield for my spirit. For the first time in ages, I feel like I can breathe without the weight of my past crushing me.

Raj pulls me closer, his touch both gentle and firm, like he's afraid I'll slip away if he's not careful. "You don't know how much I've wanted to hear that," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble. His warm brown eyes search mine, and I seethe vulnerability he's kept hidden behind his humor and confidence. It’s like he’s baring a piece of his soul to me, and I can't help but feel the same.

I lean into him, feeling the warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It's like finding a safe harbor after a stormy sea. "I know it's not going to be easy," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I think we can make it work. Together."

His fingers brush through my hair, and I can sense the feral intensity just beneath the surface, his weretiger instincts always ready to protect me. "We'll face it all," he assures me, his voice a low, comforting rumble that wraps around me like a blanket. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

The sincerity in his words wraps around me like a promise, and for the first time, the future doesn't seem so daunting. It feels like something worth fighting for, something we can conquer together.

It's like finding the missing piece of a puzzle I've been struggling with for too long. "I do," I whisper back, my voice trembling with the weight of our shared hope.

For the first time in what feels like forever, I allow myself to fully relax. Being with Raj feels like coming home to a place I've never known but always needed. The warmth of his embrace seeps into every corner of my being, pushing out the cold shadows of my past. His scent, a mix of spice and something uniquely him, envelops me, grounding me in this moment.

I close my eyes, surrendering to the safety of his presence. "Thank you," I murmur, barely audible. "For everything." The words seem inadequate, but they are all I have to express the depth of my gratitude.

Raj pulls me even closer, his fingers tracing soothing patterns on my back. "We'll face it all," he repeats,his voice a low, comforting rumble that vibrates through me. "And we'll come out stronger."

In his arms, I feel a burgeoning strength, a resilience I never knew I had.

"I want this," I tell him again, my voice trembling slightly as I try to convey the depth of my feelings. "I want us."

Raj tilts my chin up, forcing our eyes to meet once more. His gaze is unwavering, filled with a fierce determination. "Then we'll make it work," he says, his voice low but carrying an intensity that leaves no room for doubt. His words are a promise, solid and unbreakable, and for the first time in a long while, I feel a glimmer of hope blossoming within me.

A sense of peace washes over me—a peace I haven't felt in years. It's not just about escaping Nathan; it's about building something new with Raj. Something real and tangible, something that fills the void I didn't even know was there.

We sit there in silence for a while, just holding each other. The world outside fades away, leaving only the promise of what we can be together. His warmth seeps into me, grounding me in a way that feels both foreign and incredibly right.

For the first time in a long time, I'm not afraid of tomorrow. Instead, I find myself looking forward to it, excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead with Raj by my side.

CHAPTER TEN

Raj

Planning this date feels like prepping for a performance, but this time, it’s not just about getting laughs. It’s about showing Felicity how much she means to me. My heart pounds, the weretiger in me restless and insistent. She’s my mate; every instinct screams it.

I walk through the park, scoping out the perfect spot. It has to be special. I find a secluded area near a small pond, surrounded by cherry blossom trees. The petals fall gently, creating a soft pink carpet. It’s serene, intimate—perfect for us.

Back at my apartment, I gather supplies. A blanket, a basket of her favorite snacks I’ve noticed she likes at the diner, and a small speaker for some background music. The weretiger part of me demands perfection, an innate drive to ensure every detail speaks volumes about my feelings. I toss in a couple of candles for good measure, hoping to add that extra touch of romance.

As I double-check everything, my thoughts drift to Felicity. Her laughter, her guarded hazel eyes, the way shetucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear when she’s nervous. She deserves this and she deserves to feel cherished and safe.

I can't wait to see her reaction.

When I pick her up from her place, her eyes widen at the sight of me holding the basket and blanket, a flicker of astonishment dancing in her hazel eyes. The surprise on her face is exactly what I hoped for, and it sends a thrill through me. Her guarded expression softens, just for a moment, and I can see the curiosity and tentative excitement beneath it.

"What's all this?" she asks, her voice tinged with wonder and hesitation. I grin, feeling my weretiger instincts purr with satisfaction.

"You'll see," I say, a playful tone in my voice. "Just trust me." My weretiger instincts buzz with anticipation, eager to see her reaction when she realizes how much thought I’ve put into this.

We walk hand in hand through the park, the warmth of her touch sending a thrill through me. The setting sun casts a golden hue over everything, making her hair look like it’s glowing. My weretiger senses heighten as I lead her to our spot, eager to ensure everything is perfect. I spread out the blanket, arranging the basket and food meticulously, hoping she'll notice the effort.

She sits down and looks around, her eyes wide with wonder, taking in the serene beauty of the park. “This is beautiful,” she says softly, her voice filled with genuine awe.

I settle beside her, my heart racing as I watch her. “You deserve beautiful things,” I reply, my voice firm yet tender.