The morning light filtered softly through the curtains of Claire’s bedroom, painting the room in gentle gold. Xander’s arms were still wrapped tightly around her, his bare chest warm against her back, his steady breathing brushing her neck. Claire lay there for a long moment, savoring the feeling of being held by him. After the emotional night before — the pregnancy scare, the argument, the reconciliation — waking up in his arms felt like a gift.
She turned slowly in his embrace, careful not to wake him too abruptly. His face was relaxed in sleep, dark lashes fanned against his cheeks, the faint stubble on his jaw making him look even more handsome. The mate bond hummed warmly between them, a constant, comforting presence.
Xander stirred, emerald eyes opening to meet hers. A slow, sleepy
