Alyssa’s POV
The birds sing like they’re performing just for me, soft and sweet. Cool morning air brushes against my skin, tickling me awake.
I turn slowly, still half tangled in the warmth of sleep, reaching out with a lazy smile.
But he’s not here.
My fingers touch only empty grass.
My heart dips.
I sit up, blinking the sleep from my eyes, brushing curls from my face.
Zev’s coat lies beside me, his scent clinging to it like a promise.
I pull it into my arms, hugging it tightly to my chest. It feels like him. Safe. Fierce. Mine.
I stand, wrapping the coat around my bare shoulders before getting dressed. The breeze dances across my skin, but the chill doesn't bother me. I feel too warm inside. Happy. Whole.
I walk slowly through the grove, fingers brushing against leaves, toes si
