Nova’s POV
She woke slowly, cradled in a cocoon of warmth. Her nose was tucked under Max’s jaw, his arms a steel band around her waist. His scent—earth and pine, the faint bite of smoke—was stronger now, more grounding than ever. The mate bond thrummed steadily between them like a heartbeat made of moonlight.
She didn’t move at first. Just breathed him in. The last 24 hours had been overwhelming: the party, their recognition, the private conversation in his room. It still didn’t feel real.
But here, wrapped in him, it did.
His hand moved slightly, fingers brushing her spine.
“You’re awake,” he murmured, voice husky with sleep.
“So are you.”
He pressed a kiss to her hair. “Didn’t want to waste a second.”
Nova tilted her head to look at him. “We have time.”
Max’s face darkened with
