The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the living room. Gabrielle stirred first, her head still resting on Matthew’s chest. His arm was draped protectively around her, holding her close as though shielding her from the world.
She smiled softly, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest. Even a century-old vampire needed some rest after healing from such a brutal injury.
Slipping out of his hold carefully, Gabrielle made her way to the kitchen, deciding to let him sleep a little longer. She brewed coffee, even though she knew Matthew didn’t drink it, and stared out the window. The weight of yesterday's events still lingered—Ruelle was out there, and they both knew the quiet wouldn’t last.
The creak of a floorboard pulled her from her thoughts. T
