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Ellison’s body decided to shift He didn’t want to--he felt stronger as wolf--but Maria with her are form back to humanhi "You’re crazy, you know that?"

"I’ you ho any and moved closer to listen Shifters could never mind their own business

"Let"A e"

"Doesn’t matter Even if Broderick wins, I’ll refuse him, and come back to you anyway"

Some of Ellison’s tension left him, and his breath became less labored His ribs started to feel better too The healing touch of the mate He hadn’t quite believed in such a power before--especially when the mate was huainst hers "Look around you All these a Anyone you want, for the taking"

"I already chose"

Her words poured strength into Ellison’s body Enough strength for him to rise up and kick Broderick’s sorry behind? Well, , but his heart only heard the peace of her voice "You toldYou should too, Ellison Stop just getting by, and show me how to live Live life with me"

Ellison felt the smile spread over his face "Oh, sweetheart You’ve done it now"

"Done what?"

"Made me know the mate bond is real I love you, Maria"

Maria took a sharp breath, then her answering smile blossomed "I love you, Ellison Rowe"

Ellison kissed her This kiss went onand on

Shifters around them cheered Or howled, roared, whistled, or hbors

"Aw, shit" Broderick spit on the ground "Damn it, I can’t compete with this You’re a lucky dickhead, Ellison" He heaved a long and aggrieved sigh "I withdraw the Challenge"

His faroaned Deni whooped, and Connor followed suit Other Shifters said, "A," and clapped and cheered