Page 97 of Night Grove Falls, Midnight Haven Volume Two

“With you,” I agree.

“Forever?”

I pull back to look at him. His face is still wild, still streaked with blood, still terrified in a way that makes my chest ache. This huge, dangerous wolf of a man is looking at me like my answer is the only thing standing between him and ruin.

I cup his face in my hands. “Forever,” I whisper.

His eyes close. A sound leaves him, broken and relieved. Then his mouth is on mine. The kiss is desperate. Messy. Too hard for my split lip, but I don’t care. I kiss him back with everything I have, tasting salt and blood and Cooper.

He pulls away first, cursing softly when he sees me wince. “I’m sorry. Fuck, I’m sorry. Your lip⁠—”

“I’m okay.”

“You’re hurt.”

“So are you.”

He looks down at himself like he forgot. “I’m fine. I heal fast.”

“That is such a shifter answer,” I say, rolling my eyes. “You still need a shower.”

He lets out a rough, disbelieving laugh. It’s small, but it helps.

Cooper presses his forehead to mine. “I thought you were leaving.”

“I know.”

“I came back, and you weren’t where I left you.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No.” His hands tighten on my waist. “Don’t apologize. I shouldn’t have told you to stay there. You were scared. You needed to come home.”

Home.

I smile through my tears. “I did.”

Then I remember what I decided in the woods.

My heart pounds.

“Cooper?”

“Yeah, mate?”

I take a shaky breath. “I love you.”

Everything stops.

His breath. His hands. The entire room.

Then his eyes flash wolf-bright, and the most beautiful, devastated expression crosses his face.

“Say it again,” he rasps.

I smile, crying harder now. “I love you.”

He makes another broken sound and pulls me into his arms, burying his face against my neck. His whole body trembles against mine.