Kira's POV
The steady beep of monitors filled the quiet room as I watched Damon's chest rise and fall. Finally asleep. About damn time. His face looked almost peaceful now, a welcome change from the grimace of pain he'd been wearing for days.
I ran my fingers lightly over his arm, tracing the veins where that poisoned silver had coursed through his body. Even in sleep, his jaw was clenched tight, fighting. Always fighting.
"Stubborn ass," I whispered, my voice thick with fondness.
Through our mate bond, I could feel the slow burn of his healing, like embers refusing to die. Also his frustration—an Alpha confined to bed was like a caged animal. The bond was still new to me, this constant awareness of him humming in my chest, but I already couldn't imagine life without it.
The door open
