I woke up tangled in Christian like we'd been fused together overnight.
My legs were wrapped around his. My head rested on his chest, right over his heart. His arms were locked around me like even in sleep, he was afraid I'd disappear.
The steady thump of his heartbeat under my ear was the best sound I'd ever heard.
But before I even opened my eyes fully, I felt *it*.
The mating bond.
It wasn't like my empathic abilities, where I had to consciously open my senses. This was just… there. Always present. A constant hum of connection between Christian's soul and mine.
I could sense he was awake. Could feel his contentment washing through the bond. And underneath that… hunger.
Not for food.
"I know you're awake." His voice rumbled through his chest, vibrating against m
