Elena’s POV:
I woke up with a full body ache, a reminder of everything that had happened last night. My limbs felt heavy, but there was a warmth beside me that made me hesitate before moving.
Slowly, I turned my head and found Adrian lying next to me. He hadn’t left. He hadn’t disappeared. He was still here.
He slept so calmly, that the hard edges of his usual expression softened. The sight of him like this, so peaceful and unguarded, made my chest tighten. He looked nothing like the intimidating, powerful man he always appeared to be— right now, he was simply a man resting beside his mate.
Without thinking, I reached out, my fingers hovering over his cheek. I was drawn to him in a way I couldn’t understand. Just before I could touch him, his deep voice broke the silence.
“You
