I smile as I tug her into my arms and against me.“How are you feeling?Do you need anything?I can run you a bath.”
“I’m good,” she says sleepily.“I’m perfect, actually.”
“Good.”I kiss her forehead.
She snuggles closer, and I let my eyes drift shut.
My bear is content now we have our mate, and I smile as sleep claims me.
NINE
Fern
I wake up feeling happy.Not startled, not afraid, not braced for impact or shouting or chaos.
Just… happy.
It’s such a foreign feeling, and I’m a little emotional as I replay everything that’s happened in the last few days, everything that happened last night.Jameson has given me something I never thought I’d have.He’s given me a partner.He’s given me power and control and… freedom.
For a moment, I lie there in the unfamiliar stillness, wrapped in warmth that isn’t just blankets; it’s arms.Strong ones.Secure ones.A slow, steady heartbeat beneath my cheek that’s the safest sound I’ve ever known.
Jameson.
Memory rolls over me in a soft rush—heat, choice, control, the full moon glow filtering through the windows long after midnight.The way he looked at me like I wasn’t something to be owned or traded or taken but chosen.
He stirs beside me and nuzzles my neck, slow and gentle.“Good morning, mate,” he murmurs against my skin.“What do you want to do today?”
And just like that, I burst into tears.
Big, ugly, hiccupping ones.
I’m so embarrassed by my outburst, and it’s made worse when Jameson jolts upright instantly, panic flashing across his face.“Fern—hey—what’s wrong?Did I hurt you?Are you?—”
“I’m sorry,” I choke out, trying to swipe at my face.“I’m sorry, I don’t even know why I’m crying.”
He cups my face carefully, thumbs brushing away tears like they matter.LikeImatter.
“I’ve just never felt like this before,” I whisper.“So… light.So safe.It feels like I can finally breathe.”
Something raw and aching passes over his expression.
“If I get my way,” he says quietly, pressing his forehead to mine, “you’ll always feel like this.”
The last of my tears fade as he kisses me, slow, deep, full.It’s not urgent this time.It’s tender.Reverent.Like he’s showing me instead of telling me.
My body heats, and I want him.No, I need him.
“Make love to me,” I say.
He growls as he rolls me under him and cages me in with his arms.
“How do you want it?”he asks, giving me control.
“I… I don’t know.I’ve only ever done it the one time,” I admit.
He smiles softly.“Me too.”
“Really?”
