Stefan held her for a long time against the pine, his body a steady anchor as her tremors subsided. The raw, burning ache between her cheeks was a constant, throbbing reminder of his final claiming. She felt utterly hollowed out and yet impossibly full, his seed a warm, trickling brand deep inside her.
He pressed a kiss to her sweaty temple. “Come,” he murmured, his voice rough with satisfaction. “You need to be cleaned.”
Before she could protest, he bent and hooked an arm behind her knees, lifting her as if she weighed nothing. Hazel gasped, her arms instinctively looping around his neck. Every movement sent fresh, sensitive twinges through her well-used body. He carried her through the trees with sure-footed grace, the dawn light strengthening to a pale gold.
She heard the water befor
