ISLA
I woke up warm.
That was the first thing I noticed. The warmth surrounding me, solid and safe. The second thing was the steady heartbeat beneath my ear. The third was the arm wrapped around my waist, holding me close.
Gideon.
I was in bed with Gideon Crossbane. The Apex. My… mate.
The realization made my eyes snap open.
We were tangled together; my head on his chest, his arm around me, our legs intertwined.
He was still asleep, his face relaxed in a way I’d never seen while he was awake. Without the sharp intensity of his silver eyes, he looked almost peaceful.
My heart started racing.
This was too much. Too close. Too fast.
Three days ago, I didn’t know he existed. Two days ago, I thought I was in love with someone else. Yesterday, I was attacked and he’d–
I tried to e
