Lily could feel the tension radiating off him in waves, his protective instincts warring with his desire to respect her wishes. She knew this wasn't easy for him, centuries of ingrained behavior fighting against this new, vulnerable connection between them.
Without a word, she stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Her arms slipped around his waist as she pressed her cheek against his chest, inhaling his intoxicating scent.
His body was rigid for a moment, surprise evident in the slight catch of his breath. Then, slowly, his arms encircled her, one hand splaying across her lower back while the other cradled the nape of her neck.
Lily closed her eyes, savouring the feeling of safety and warmth that enveloped her. It was a stark contrast to the danger that lurked just beyond
