Morning light filtered softly through the heavy curtains of Xander’s bedroom, casting a gentle golden glow across the rumpled sheets. Claire stirred slowly, nestled against Xander’s bare chest, his strong arm wrapped securely around her waist. The events of last night lingered in her body like a warm echo — the intense kisses, the heated touches, the overwhelming closeness they had shared without crossing that final line. Her skin still tingled where his hands had been.
Xander was already awake, his fingers tracing lazy patterns along her spine. When she tilted her head up, his emerald eyes were soft with affection, the full moon’s wild energy now replaced by quiet contentment.
“Good morning,” he murmured, voice husky from sleep. He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead,
