STARLETTE
I stirred in bed, reaching out instinctively to cuddle with Maximus, but my hand met only the cool sheets. The empty space beside me made my heart sink for a moment, and I snapped my eyes open, scanning the room. He was nowhere to be found.
Stretching, I yawned and mind-linked him. “Working already?”
His voice came through immediately, warm and teasing. “She’s awake—my sleeping beauty.”
My lips curled into a smile. “I wanted to have you all to myself today.”
"Well, I could drop everything and come to you right now. All you need to do is ask."
I giggled, shaking my head even though he couldn’t see me. “As tempting as that sounds, I know you have to work. Someone has to keep the pack running smoothly, and these are my people now too. I care about them. So, I’ll see you later
