---- Chapter 18 Becky's POV The moment my eyes locked with Alpha Michael's, something ancient and wild stirred inside me. My heart thudded like a war drum, echoing the intensity of the bond humming between us-alive, restless, impossible to ignore. Had he truly just spoken those words aloud? Since the moment he walked away, my thoughts had been haunted by our kiss. Not just the heat of his mouth on mine, or the trail of his fingertips against my skin-but the deeper, primal current that had surged between us. To human eyes, it might have been passion. But to us wolves? That kiss was the start of something sacred. A bond. A claim. And it scared the hell out of me. Now, hearing him admit that he felt it too-it was ---- like my world tilted. "Becky." His voice rolled out like thunder from a distant storm, a low growl laced with raw emotion. His wolf was close-close enough that I could sense it brushing against mine, hungry and restless. "T know we're supposed to stay focused on our mission... but I can't deny what I feel when I'm Near you." I sucked in a breath, trying to fight the pull. But the bond-it was tightening, coiling like a living thing between us. "T don't want this to just be about circumstances or strategy," he murmured, eyes locked on mine. " I want you. Truly. But only if you want it too. I'll never force the bond." My throat was dry. I tried to speak, but something inside me snapped loose. My wolf surged upward ---- with a fierce howl, pushing me forward before logic could catch up. I grabbed his face and kissed him. For a second, Alpha Michael froze, shocked. But then he melted into it, a growl vibrating from his chest as his arms crushed me against him. The sound he made was deep, possessive, and unmistakably alpha. Our mouths moved together with urgency, with need. The electricity between us sparked into wildfire, and I swore I felt it-the bond, clicking into place like a lock turning. When I finally pulled back, breathless, I whispered, "I feel it too." Alpha Michael's eyes glowed with golden light, his wolf peeking through with a slow, satisfied grin. Then he kissed me again, rougher, deeper-like a wolf claiming what was his.