LEAH
The morning is heavy. I wake to Lucian’s breath against my neck, warm, and steady. The rhythm of his breath matches mine perfectly. Too close, and too in sync. And then it hits me.
I can feel him. And it's not just his touch, or the weight of his arm that's thrown over my waist. I feel something more, his hunger, his calmness, even his restless lycan pacing inside him. I feel the way he thinks I’ll leave even when I’m right here with him. The mark has broken down every wall between us.
It feels like a second heartbeat. Like my heart was cracked open, and Lucian's was poured into it. I shift under the sheets, not wanting to wake him, but he stirs anyway. His arm tightens around my waist, dragging me closer to him.
“Good morning,” his voice is still rough, from sleep. I don’t a
