*****
Inside the Alpha King’s bedchamber, Althea woke to the now-familiar ache clinging to every inch of her body. Though her healing had quickened unnaturally, the tenderness lingered, reminding her of every kiss, every bite, and every possessive thrust that had claimed her through the night.
Gavriel had been insatiable.
If she hadn’t passed out from sheer exhaustion, she knew he wouldn’t have stopped at all. Not even the breaking dawn could deter the Alpha King once he was lost in that fevered haze—the mate bond driving him to devour her like a man starved.
“My Lady, you’re finally awake!” Melva’s voice chimed with relief.
Althea blinked, glancing around the empty bed before sighing quietly.
“The Alpha King left early this morning,” Melva explained, approaching her carefully. “He t
