Relief slammed into Kira the moment she lifted her eyes and saw exactly who was holding her.
"Derek," she sobbed, her voice breaking as she collapsed against his chest.
His strong arms wrapped around her, warm and solid, pulling her close against his chest. For a few seconds she let herself melt into him, face pressed into his blood-stained shirt, tears soaking the fabric. The fear that had been choking her finally loosened its grip.
"I've got you," he murmured again, his voice rumbling deep in his chest. He smoothed a hand over her tangled hair, his touch uncharacteristically gentle. "You are safe now, Kira. It is alright. I am here."
Kira kept weeping quietly into his chest, the sobs shaking her whole body. The adrenaline that had kept her running finally began to drain away, leaving her trembling and weak. For one beautiful moment, everything felt okay.
