Page 49 of Collar Me Crazy
Ryker looked down at their joined hands, noting how perfectly hers fit against his. His wolf had known from that very first touch by the lake—this woman was meant to be theirs. The animal had never wavered, never doubted. Only his human fears had stood in the way.
"The prophecy says I'll either bind the realms or shatter them," he said quietly. "What if binding doesn't mean destruction? What if it means exactly what you showed me tonight—bringing everyone together into something stronger?"
"That's what I've been trying to tell you." Her thumb traced across his knuckles. "Seven couples created the foundation, but the eighth bond completes the structure. Makes it unbreakable."
"And if completing our bond gives the Void exactly what it needs to break through?"
"Ryker, I've seen both futures. The one where we claim each other properly, with trust and love and perfect timing? That's the one where Hollow Oak survives."
He studied her face, noting the absolute certainty in her expression. No doubt, no fear—just unwavering faith in themselves, united.
"Tell me about the claiming ritual," he said. "What exactly does 'properly' mean?"
"Not in the middle of battle, for starters." Her smile was soft but determined. "The bond has to be completed through physical intimacy and your claiming mark, as all shifters. But the timing matters. The energy has to be channeled correctly, synchronized with the other couples."
"Synchronized how?"
"I'm still working that part out. But I think it has to happen during a moment of community joy, when all the positive energy can amplify our connection instead of the Void being able to corrupt it."
Ryker nodded slowly, his tactical mind already working through possibilities. "Thanksgiving. The whole town will be celebrating together."
"Exactly. Maximum positive energy, everyone focused on gratitude and community bonds." Sonya's eyes brightened with the same intensity he'd seen during the battle. "If we time itright, our claiming could create a resonance that locks the Void out permanently."
"And if we time it wrong?"
"Then we give it enough power to tear through all the barriers at once. But that mainly correlates with our feelings and purpose behind the claiming.3"
The weight of that responsibility should have terrified him. A week ago, it would have sent him running for the mountains. But sitting here with Sonya's hand in his, watching the way her mind worked through complex magical theory like he worked through sanctuary logistics, Ryker found himself oddly calm.
"I want to see the sanctuary," Sonya said suddenly. "Not just visit—really see it. Understand what you've built there, what it means to you."
"Why?"
"Because when we complete our bond, I want to know everything about the man I'm claiming." Her voice turned gentle. "And because if we're going to face the Void together, I need to understand all the places that matter to you."
She wasn't just accepting him—she wanted to know him, completely and without reservation.
"It's not much," he said, starting the engine. "Just a collection of buildings and healing pools."
"It's everything to you," she corrected. "I can see it in the way you talk about the animals, the expansion plans you're afraid to voice. It's your heart-made manifest."
They drove through Hollow Oak's quiet streets, past shops closing for the evening and couples walking together under the magical streetlights. Everything looked normal, peaceful, but Ryker could feel the undercurrent of tension that remained after the Void's attack.
"You know, I think we've got a shot."
She laughed, and the sound filled the truck cab with warmth. "Look at you, Mr. Optimism. What happened to the man who was convinced he'd destroy everything he touched?"
"He met a woman stubborn enough to prove him wrong." Ryker pulled into the sanctuary's drive, noting how the protective wards hummed with steady energy. Stronger than they'd been before the attack, reinforced by his renewed commitment to defending what mattered.
"And he finally started believing in the future they could build together," Sonya added softly.
Ryker cut the engine and turned to look at her, this incredible woman who'd driven across state lines following visions that led her to him. Her dark hair caught the moonlight, and her brown eyes held depths of strength he was still discovering.
She leaned across the seat, her lips finding his in a kiss that tasted like promises and hope. "Now show me your world, so I can help you save it."
As they walked toward the main cabin hand in hand, Ryker's wolf settled into contentment. No more running, no more fear. Just a man and his mate, preparing to face destiny together.
And for the first time in his life, the future felt like something worth fighting for.
