Page 44 of Pack to the Wall

"This island is our sanctuary," he reminded them. "But it's also our fortress. We have protocols in place for exactly this type of situation."

When he was satisfied that his message had been received—the nods were firmer now and the postures straighter—he turned to face Chrissy fully. He took both her hands in his, forgetting for a moment the hundred pairs of eyes watching them.

"If you truly want to return to California because it's what you want—not what Marty demands—I'll respect that choice," he said, his voice softening just for her. "But if you want to stay here with me, I will move mountains to break his hold on you."

His thumbs drew small circles on the backs of her hands, a contrast to the fierce determination in his eyes.

"Money isn't an issue. Connections aren't an issue. I will hire an army of lawyers if that's what it takes. I will do whatever is necessary to free you from that contract."

He pulled her closer, one hand sliding up to cup her cheek. The possessive gesture was as much for his pack as it was for her—marking his territory in the most unmistakable way.

"Just tell me you'll stay," he whispered, the Alpha's command slipping into a lover's plea. "Tell me you'll be my Luna in more than just name."

SEVENTEEN

CHRISSY

Chrissy's heart thundered as she gazed up into Zev's impossibly blue eyes. The entire pack watched them—a hundred sets of eyes trained on their Alpha and the human woman he'd just declared as his Luna. The enormity of the moment crashed over her like a wave.

Six days ago, she'd been trapped in a life that was suffocating her. Now, she stood at the precipice of something wild and wonderful.

"I want to stay," she said, her voice catching. Her white sundress fluttered around her legs in the gentle island breeze as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting everything in a golden glow. "I want to be with you, Zev."

A collective murmur rippled through the pack. Relief, surprise, and approval—she could sense it all, even without wolf senses.

Zev's face transformed, his controlled Alpha expression giving way to something raw and primal. His fingers tightened against her cheek, and Chrissy swore she could feel the wolf inside him howling with victory.

"I trust you," she continued, her voice growing stronger. "I believe you when you say we can fight Marty together. That wecan keep everyone safe." Her hand found his chest, resting over his heart. "I've spent so long being told what I can't do. I want to start focusing on what I can."

The piercing intensity in his blue eyes made her knees weaken, but she kept going. "This island—it feels more like home than anywhere else has in a long time. And you..." she smiled softly, "you make me feel like I've finally found where I belong."

Zev pulled her against him, claiming her mouth in a kiss that left no doubt about who she belonged to. Cheers erupted from the pack, but Chrissy barely heard them over the roaring in her ears. His kiss was possession, promise, and protection all at once.

When he finally broke their kiss, she was breathing hard, her lips tingling and her body flushed with heat. Several of the older pack members looked scandalized, while the younger ones grinned widely.

"Be on alert for the next twenty-four hours," Zev commanded the pack without taking his eyes off Chrissy. "When Marty discovers she didn't board his plane, there will be consequences. But we'll be ready."

The gathering dispersed quickly, with pack members heading off to their assigned posts. Ewan approached, his expression serious but with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"I'll double security at all access points as requested," he told Zev, then nodded to Chrissy. "Welcome to the pack, Luna."

Luna. The title still felt foreign, but not unwelcome. She was a human pop star with a wolf pack that answered to her. The absurdity of it almost made her laugh.

After a brief conference with Ewan about security protocols, Zev led Chrissy away from the main lodge. His hand rested possessively on her back as they walked toward a secluded garden overlooking the sea.

"I'm sorry about the public declaration," he said once they were alone, brushing her cheek with his hand. "It wasn't how I planned to ask you to stay."

Chrissy reached up, trailing her finger along his jaw. "It needed to be done. They needed to see us together and united."

"You're extraordinary," he murmured, pulling her closer. "Most humans would be running screaming from a pack of wolves."

"Lucky for you, I've always been a little reckless." She smiled at him, still marveling at how this powerful man—this Alpha—treated her like she was the most precious gift in his world. "Besides, I've spent the last year surrounded by wolves in suits. At least yours are honest about their teeth."

Zev laughed, the sound rich and vibrant. "I love you, Chrissy Rivera. I think I've loved you since you stepped off that helicopter."

The words hit her with unexpected force, stealing her breath. For a moment, she couldn't speak, could only feel the truth of his words resonating through their bond.

"I love you too, Zev," she finally whispered, surprised at how easy it was to say. After years of guarding her heart, of being used by people who only saw her as a commodity, the words flowed from her like a song that had been waiting to be sung. "I don't know how it happened so fast, but I do."

---