He had protected her. Without being asked. Without hesitation.
He had drawn a line in the sand and dared the entire world to cross it.
She knew that being the Messenger was not an easy role. She wanted to be proud of her gift—wanted to embrace it, to use it for good, to help the wolves who had been waiting so long for her.
But she needed time. Time to get used to the public scrutiny. Time to figure out who she was beneath the title. Time to breathe.
Caleb turned to her, and his expression softened. The hard mask melted away, replaced by something warmer. Something that was just for her.
His hand found hers. Squeezed gently.
"I am here with you," he said quietly.
Three words. Simple. Perfect.
Iva squeezed back, unable to speak around the lump in her throat.
Caleb glanced around, th
