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Maya's breath caught, her heart pounding in her chest. She nodded slowly, her eyes never leaving his. The air between them crackled with anticipation. She shifted closer, her hands on his thighs as she prepared to climb into his lap, ready to take him in a way that would bind them even tighter together.

Maya's breath hitched shakily as she climbed up into Kieran's lap, her body trembling with anticipation. His hands gripped her hips, steadying her as she positioned herself over his cock. The heat of his body radiated against her, and she could feel the tension in his muscles, the way he held himself back, even now. She lowered herself slowly, inch by inch, until he filled her completely, stretching her in the most delicious way. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she adjusted to his size, her inner walls clenching around him instinctively.

"You're perfect," Kieran murmured, his voice thick with need. His hands slid up her sides, leaving trails of fire in their wake, before settling on her back, careful to avoid the wound. "Take your time."

Maya nodded, her hands resting on his broad shoulders for balance. She began to move, rocking her hips in a slow, deliberate rhythm. Each movement sent waves of pleasure coursing through her, and she could feel the way he responded, his body tensing beneath her. His eyes locked onto hers, and she could see the raw intensity in his gaze, the way he was holding himself back, letting her set the pace.

"You're still healing," she whispered, her voice trembling with the effort to keep her movements slow and controlled. "I don't want to hurt you."

Kieran's lips curved into a smirk, his hands tightening on her hips. "You could never hurt me, Maya. Not like this."

She laughed softly, the sound mingling with the distant rumble of thunder outside. Her movements grew bolder, her hips rolling against his as she sought the perfect angle. Kieran's breath hitched as his hands slid up to cup her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her nipples causing her to gasp.

"You're driving me insane," he growled, his voice low and husky.

Maya's response was cut off as he surged up, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. His tongue swept into her mouth, claiming her in a way that left no doubt about his dominance. She moaned into the kiss, her hands tangling in his hair as she ground down against him, seeking more of the pleasure that was building between them.

Kieran broke the kiss, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I love you, Maya," he said, his voice raw with emotion. "I've never felt this way about anyone. You're my mate, my everything."

Maya's heart swelled at his words, and she felt a surge of emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. "I love you too, Kieran," she whispered, her voice trembling with the intensity of her feelings. "I've never felt this connected to anyone before."

Her confession seemed to unleash something in him, and he surged up, flipping her onto her back with a growl. His body covered hers, his hips driving into her with a rhythm that left her breathless. Maya's nails dug into his shoulders as she clung to him, her body arching up to meet his thrusts. The pleasure built, coiling tighter and tighter until it finally snapped, sending her over the edge with a cry of his name.

Kieran followed her over, his body shuddering as he spilled himself inside her. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his breath hot against her pale skin as he whispered her name like a prayer. The small mark on her neck from their previous encounter seemed to burn with a new intensity, as if recognizing the bond that had just been solidified between them.

They lay there for a long moment, their bodies still joined, their breaths slowly returning to normal. Kieran finally pulled back, his eyes soft with affection as he brushed her hair from her face. "You're mine, Maya," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "And I'm yours. Nothing will ever change that."

Maya smiled up at him, her heart full. "I know," she whispered, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "And I wouldn't want it any other way."

They curled up together on the makeshift bed, their naked bodies pressed tightly together for warmth. The storm outside raged on, but inside the cave, there was only the warmth of their love and the promise of a future together. Maya's mind drifted to the challenges they still faced—the silver poisoning, the High Council, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow would bring—but in that moment, she felt a sense of hope. With Kieran by her side, she knew they could face anything.

TWENTY-TWO

KIERAN

The morning sunlight filtered through the cave entrance, casting a golden glow over their naked bodies. Kieran stirred first, his eyes blinking open to find Maya curled against his chest, her copper-red hair spilling across his muscular torso like living flame. The silver poisoning still coursed through his veins, but something felt different—stronger and more vital. He knew immediately it was her. Their mate bond.

"Maya," he murmured, brushing her soft hair from her pale face. "We need to move."

Her green eyes fluttered open, sleepy confusion giving way to sharp awareness as she took in their situation. "How are you feeling?"

"Better than I should be." He sat up, wincing slightly as the movement pulled at his wound. "But not out of danger. We need to find a safe house and get this silver treated."

Maya nodded, rising to her feet in one fluid motion that made Kieran's breath catch. Her naked form was magnificent—all lean muscle and pale skin dotted with freckles. The clawmarks on her back had already begun to heal, the edges knitting together faster than any new shifter's should.

"We'll have to travel as we are," he said, forcing his eyes back to her face. "Our clothes are gone."

"I think nudity is the least of our concerns right now." A smirk played on her lips. "Though I have to say, being naked in the wilderness feels surprisingly... right."

Kieran chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest as he stood. "Your wolf is embracing her freedom." He paused for a moment as he steadied himself. "There's a safe house about five miles northeast—one the rebellion uses."

They set out through the forest, Kieran setting a pace that respected his wounded state while still maintaining urgency. The morning dew clung to the underbrush, cool against their bare skin. As they walked, Kieran became increasingly aware of a new intense sensation within him. Maya's thoughts and emotions now flowed into his consciousness and body like a gentle stream, strong and steady. Not the distant and muted sensations from the past few days, but clearer and more powerful.

"Can you feel that?" he asked suddenly, pausing to look at her.

Maya's brow furrowed. "Feel what? Your pain? Yes, strangely I can... it's like a strong pulsating feeling in my chest."

"Not just that." He stepped closer, placing his hand over her heart. "Last night, when we joined... when I released inside you... it wasn't just physical. I claimed you as my mate."