Cain closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. He wasn't sure if it was foolishness or bravery that had led him to speak those words, but seeing her reaction, he didn't regret them. His arm tightened around her instinctively, pulling her closer as though sealing the bond he had just declared.
Jayden tilted her head up again, her tear-streaked face glowing with a fragile but radiant smile. Her tail wagged faintly behind her, brushing against his legs in a rhythm that betrayed her joy. "Then I'm yours now," she said softly, possessively, but with such tenderness it was impossible to mistake it for anything but love.
Cain gave a short, quiet laugh, shaking his head slightly. "I wouldn't want it to be any other way."
Jayden leaned in until her forehead was pressed up against his chest.
"I feel the same."
