The morning after their night at the hotel, Claire woke up wrapped in Xander’s arms, his steady breathing warm against her neck. For a few precious seconds, everything felt perfect — the gentle rise and fall of his chest, the faint scent of his skin, the quiet safety of being held by her mate. But then the memory of the text flashed through her mind like a cold blade: He can’t protect you forever.
She shifted slightly, trying to push the unease away. Xander stirred immediately, his emerald eyes opening to look at her with soft concern.
“You’re tense,” he murmured, voice still rough from sleep. His hand stroked down her back in slow, soothing circles. “I can feel it through the bond. What’s wrong?”
Claire forced a small smile and snuggled closer, hiding her face against his chest. “Nothi
