Ryker POV

"The moment I saw you in that meeting room, everything in me recognized you as mine. My wolf went silent—completely silent—just focused on you. I've never had that reaction to anyone." I touched her cheek gently. "I told myself it was just protective instinct. That I was reacting to seeing someone being hurt. But it's more than that."

"What is it?"

"I think you're my true mate, Maya. Not just a contracted mate. The real thing."

She stared at me with wide eyes. "But my wolf is bound. How could you know?"

"Sometimes you just know. The pull, the recognition, the absolute certainty that this person is meant to be yours." I dropped my hand. "But I'm not going to force that on you. Whether you accept the bond or not is your choice. All I'm asking is that you give yourself time to heal, to know me, to decide for yourself."

"And if I decide I don't want it?"

The question hurt, but I kept my expression neutral. "Then I'll respect your choice. You'll still be under my protection. You'll still have a home here. Nothing will change except you'll be free to find your own path."

"You'd do that? Let me go even though you think I'm your mate?"

"Maya, I've spent my whole life taking what I want, fighting for what I believe in, forcing my will on the world. But this?" I gestured between us. "This has to be your choice. I can't force someone to love me. I won't even try."

Tears spilled down her cheeks. "I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to be someone's mate. I don't even know how to be a normal person."

"Then we'll figure it out together. One day at a time." I wiped her tears with my thumb. "No pressure. No expectations. Just... give it a chance. Give me a chance to show you what life can be like without fear."

She nodded, not trusting her voice.

We continued to the house. In my office, I pulled out maps and documents, showing her the layout of Silvercrest pack house, explaining what our visit would look like.

"We'll arrive mid-morning," I said. "As the contracted Alpha, I have rights to inspect pack operations. Your uncle can't refuse without breaking the alliance."

"What will you be looking for?"

"Evidence of wrongdoing. Financial records that might show corruption. Medical records about your parents' deaths. Anything that doesn't add up." I pointed to a section of the map. "You said your father had an office. Is it still there?"

"I don't know. I haven't been allowed on the second floor in five years."

"That's where we'll start then. Old Alphas often keep records, journals, important documents. If there's evidence of what really happened, it might be there."

"Uncle Marcus would have destroyed anything incriminating."

"Maybe. But men like him get arrogant. They think they're untouchable." I rolled up the map. "And there's something else. I want you to see Leo."

"My brother." She said it like she still couldn't quite believe it.

"Your brother. He has a right to know the truth about his family."

"What if he doesn't believe me? What if he thinks I'm lying?"

"We'll deal with that if it happens. But Maya, you deserve to know your brother. And he deserves to know his sister didn't die."

She was quiet for a long moment. "Okay. I'll try."

"That's all I ask." I checked my watch. "It's almost dinner time. You should eat."

"Will you eat with me?"

The question surprised me. She'd been avoiding me during meals, choosing to eat alone in the kitchen.

"Of course."

We went to the dining room where Mira had set out a full meal. Zara joined us, along with Kade and Owen. Maya sat beside me, still uncertain but trying.

Watching her interact with my pack, seeing her slowly relax, made something warm bloom in my chest.

This was right. She belonged here, with us, with me.

Now I just had to prove it to her.

After dinner, I walked her back to the bedroom. She'd been sleeping in my bed while I took the couch, but tonight she paused at the door.

"You don't have to sleep on the couch," she said quietly.

"Maya—"

"I know you won't hurt me. And the bed is big enough for both of us." She twisted her hands together. "You've been kind to me. The least I can do is let you sleep in your own bed."

"Are you sure?"

She nodded.

We got ready for bed in careful silence. She disappeared into the bathroom and came out in one of my t-shirts that hung to her knees. I stayed on my side of the bed, giving her space.

"Goodnight," I said, turning off the lamp.

"Ryker?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. For everything."

"You don't have to thank me."

"Yes, I do. You saved my life."

I wanted to tell her that she'd saved mine too, in a way. That finding her had given me purpose beyond building pack strength and fighting wars. But it was too soon for that conversation.

"Sleep," I said instead. "Big day tomorrow."

She fell asleep quickly, exhausted from the day. I lay awake listening to her breathe, my wolf content for the first time in years.

Tomorrow we'd face her demons. Tomorrow we'd start uncovering the truth.

And tomorrow, I'd show Marcus exactly what happened when someone hurt what was mine.