Hattie:
I had never felt anything like this before.
Brooks had me wrapped tightly against his firm chest, locked in a deep kiss. My heart raced, my skin tingled everywhere he touched me. His warmth surrounded me, his scent—sea salt and sandalwood—filled my senses, grounding me, pulling me deeper into this moment. Into him.
I had spent my whole life waiting, hoping, fearing what my mate would be like. Would he be cruel? Would he see me as a burden, an obligation? Would I even find him?
Now, here he was. And he was none of those things.
He was strong, steady, protective. His hands skimmed my sides as if memorizing every inch of me, but there was no rush in his touch. Just a quiet reverence, a deep, unspoken promise.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice lower than before, rough with
