BEXLEY
Rowan lay sprawled across my chest, warm and soft. Even better, she had my mating mark on her shoulder and carried my scent. Any shifter she met would instantly know she was mine.
The bond thrummed between us, claiming her in the same steady rhythm as her heartbeat. I hadn’t meant to fall asleep again, but having my mate tucked against me like this made it almost impossible to stay awake.
She stretched lazily, the sheet slipping lower on her hips, and I swear my lungs forgot how to function. Her blond hair fell in wild waves across the pillow, and her lips were still swollen from my kisses. She looked like she was exactly where she belonged in this bed. With me.
She blinked up at me with a sleepy smile. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself, my little mate.”
Her smile widened, and my polar gave a satisfied chuff in my head.
“I hate to do it after he came out here so soon after a snowstorm and almost got mauled by you, but I should probably fire Forest.”
A low laugh rumbled out of me before I dipped my head and brushed a kiss over her temple. The wolf had learned his lesson about coming too close to my mate before I marked her.
“I guess I should call him today. Let him know I’m not selling the house after all.” Rowan traced circles on my chest, her eyes softening as she added, “Now that we’re fully mated. And since I love you.”
The bond carried the truth of Rowan’s feelings, but nothing could’ve prepared me for hearing that four-letter word out loud from her. It felt like taking a sucker punch to the chest, but in the best damn way.
“I love you, too,” I growled, pulling her tighter against me. “More than anything in the world.”
“Good.”
I nuzzled her hair, letting the relief wash through me. “Don’t worry about calling Forest. I’m sure he already guessed.”
Her brows drew together. “Really?”
“He might be young and hasn't met his mate yet, but the wolf has heard enough stories to understand I’d go to the ends of the earth to be with you.”
Her pretty eyes filled with wonder. “You would?”
“Even New York City,” I grumbled.
Rowan laughed. “I bet your polar bear would’ve loved the Hudson River when there are chunks of ice in it during a cold snap. It’s rare, but so is the sight of a wild animal roaming around the city.”
“Then they’d try to put me in the damn zoo,” I muttered, shaking my head.
“I wouldn’t let that happen.”
A shiver ran down her spine when I slid my hand to the curve of her neck to where her mating mark peeked above the sheet. I stroked my thumb over it, unable to stop myself from pressing a kiss to the spot. “Mine.”
She arched into me, warmth radiating through the bond so intensely it made my chest ache.
The morning felt damn near perfect until a loud knock shattered everything.
The sound was so abrupt that my polar lunged forward before my conscious mind caught up. I sat up instantly, my muscles going tight as I scanned the air, and a warning rumble vibrated low in my chest.
Two strangers were at the door, carrying the faintest trace of Rowan’s scent. Unmistakably blood kin.
My mate stiffened beside me. “What was that?”
Another pounding knock rattled the door.
Rowan pushed off the bed and hurried to the window. When she peeked through the side curtain, her breath hitched. Then she turned toward me, her face pale. “My parents.”
Every protective instinct I possessed roared to life at once.
