Aurelius felt nothing but satisfaction as he lay in her arms, the weight of sleep pulling at him. His heart was still pounding from what they'd just done, from the feeling of her body against his,and just how right it felt.
He opened his mouth, the words slipping out before he could stop them. "I love you."
His eyes were already closing but his heart beat slightly faster as he waited. The silence stretched for just a moment, and then he heard her whisper.
"I love you too."
The mate bond snapped into place with such force it took his breath away. It felt like lightning through his chest, spreading outward through his entire body until it settled deep in his bones. The connection slammed through him, permanent and unbreakable. He felt her emotions flooding through the bond, love and grie
