Elena’s POV
The peaceful warmth of the night lingered even as the first light of dawn began to peek through the heavy curtains. Oliver lay beside me, his features softened in sleep. He looked so different like this—vulnerable, unburdened. My fingers itched to trace the lines of his jaw, but I stopped myself, not wanting to disturb the rare moment of calm.
The responsibilities of the pack would soon weigh on us again, but for now, I allowed myself the indulgence of watching him. My heart ached with a quiet joy, a feeling I hadn’t dared to dream of before.
But as much as I wanted to stay in this cocoon of safety, the world outside wouldn’t wait. I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him, and wrapped myself in a soft robe. The fire had burned down to embers, the room still faintly warm
