Chapter 33 Let Me Hold You After arriving at the hospital , Ysabel called Landon . 63 % Finished " Uncle Landon , I can't go home tonight . I'm at the hospital . If Grandpa asks , just tell him I'm with you , okay ? " The hospital again … Landon was in the middle of handling pack affairs when he received Ysabel's call . Without hesitation , he dropped everything and drove straight to the hospital . When he saw Ysabel's swollen face , his expression turned ominous . " What happened ? " Who had the audacity to lay a hand on the member of the Thorne family ? Ysabel gave him a quick summary of the situation . " Uncle Landon , you have no idea how incredible Tessa was , " she gushed , still caught up in admiration . Landon's face darkened further . -While the doctor tended to Ysabel's injuries , Landon stepped out and found Tessa , who had assisted with Ysabel's hospital admission . The corridor was nearly empty , leaving only the two of them . Without hesitation , Landon strode forward , blocking Tessa's path . He raised an arm , caging her between his chest and the wall . She had already caught the familiar scent of pinewood clinging to him . Strangely , she didn't resist . Instead , she allowed him to trap her in place . Lifting her gaze , she met his smoldering , anger - laced stare . " Why didn't you call me ? " His voice was low , edged with restrained frustration . " I can handle it ," Tessa replied dismissively . Those men had never been a threat to her . Her indifference only deepened Landon's exasperation No matter what she faced , she always bore it alone , never seeking help , never leaning on anyone . Recalling the information he had uncovered about her an ache tightened in his chest . Has she always had to rely solely on herself ? Or is there simply no one she trusts enough to lean on ? Landon forced down his frustration , softening his tone us his eyes swept over her . " Are you hurt ? " " No. " In one swift motion , he pulled her into his arms . Even though he knew she was unharmed and fully aware of her strength - how effortlessly she could take down fifteen elite Werewolf Mercenaries - he still couldn't stop himself from w 3 03 % 20:43 Mon , Apr 21 Chapter 33 Let Me Hold You Finished " Let me know next time something happens ," he murmured , his voice a deep , husky command laced with an intoxicating allure . Tessa stiffened . She had never liked physical contact , especially with men she wasn't particularly close to . If it had been anyone else , they would already be on the ground , writhing in pain , unable to get up . But she didn't mind with Landon . She didn't reject his touch . His arms were firm , his presence overpowering , his scent surrounding her , making it difficult to think . She realized , with a slight sense of alarm , that - Landon affected her too easily . Her heartbeat had become erratic , slipping from her control . " You hear me ? " His voice reverberated against her . " I want to be your shield ." Heat spread to her ears . If this continued , she might actually lose control of herself . " Landon … " she murmured . " Yes ? " " Let go of me . " She felt suffocated . Not by force or fear , but by something far more unsettling . Landon's gaze flickered over her face , catching the telltale flush dusting her skin , the faint redness at the tips of her ears . His lips curled into a smirk . Through the Mind Link , Flex's voice echoed in his mind . Tessa looks adorable when she blushes . Is she shy again ? Yeah , Landon responded , amusement coloring his tone I like it when she's shy . Unable to resist , he leaned down and pressed a brief , lingering kiss to her forehead . His hold loosened slightly , but he still had no intention of letting her go . Before , keeping his distance had never been an issue . But now , holding her this close , he realized he might be addicted . Letting her go was simply not an option . " You still haven't answered me , " he murmured , his intense gaze locking onto her striking blue eyes . He wasn't letting this go until she gave him the answer he wanted . Tessa met his stare , unflinching . " Landon , I'm not the kind of girl you think I am ." She was no helpless little wolf in need of protection . She was a force to be reckoned with , a lone wolf who thrived on her own strength . " So , what kind of girl are you ? " " The kind that … " 20:43 Mon , Apr 21 DB Chapter 33 Let Me Hold You Finished " You are who you are , " he interrupted . " I'm not here to define you . You can do whatever you want . And if you would rather not join Thorne Corp , I won't force you . " * 1 … " " Relax . " His voice was smooth and steady . " I'll take my time with you . " He wasn't in a rush . " But for now , just let me hold you a little longer . " Tessa had no way to refuse . She allowed herself to lean into him , just slightly . His arms were warm , steady , and dangerously comforting . Most importantly , they were far too easy to get used to . 1