I stare at him.
At this man.
This stubborn, sweet, growly Badger who built a cookie-themed Christmas tree in my honor.
Who went to save his brother but still came back for me.
Who kissed me like the world was ending and then let me hit him for it.
And suddenly I’m the one moving.
Throwing myself into his arms.
Holding on tight.
Because maybe this isn’t the end.
Maybe it’s only the beginning.
Chapter 22
Eb
There’s a million things I want to say to this woman.
A million apologies.
A million promises.
A million stupid, sappy declarations I never thought I’d feel—let alone mean.
But Marigold’s kissing me like her life depends on it.
And fuck me, I can’t stop.
Because I know—I know—mine does.
Her lips are soft and wild all at once, her tongue tangling with mine in a way that sets my blood on fire.
She tastes like honey and cinnamon and the kind of home I didn’t think I deserved.
My arms tighten around her on instinct, pulling her flush against me like I could absorb her into my skin, into my bones, into the very soul of me.
Because that’s what she is.
My soul.
I need her more than air.
More than food or water or—heaven help me—honey.
And that’s saying something.
Because Badgers? We don’t play when it comes to honey.
We’ll climb cliffs, raid beehives, fight literal bears just to get our paws on the sweet stuff.
And Marigold? She’s that for me.
