werk had slipped by since clawed my way back from deaths edge, each day bringing more strength but also more restlessness as the hospital’s sterile
The antiseptic smell, the endless beeping, the scratchy sheets–all of it would have been unbearable without Ethan’s unwavering
This morning. I woke to find him exactly where he been every dawn since I’d opened my eyes–in that ridiculous plastic chair that creaked in protest
henever he shifted his powerful frame. His long legs were stretched awkwardly before him, one hand still tangled with mine atop the thin blanket. Even
fingers maintained their gentle grip, as though some part of him remained vigilant, afraid I might fade away if he fully let go. His chest rose deep, steady shythms, and a lock of dark hair had fallen across his forehead, making him look younger. I resisted the urge to brush it back, sevoning this unparded moment when I could admire him without his knowing, this man who had become my anchor in ways neither of us had imagined possible just weeks ag
An if sending my park, Ethan’s eyes fluttered open, immediately finding mine with an intensity that sent warmth flooding through me.
whispered, voice hosky with sleep. His fingers tightened around mine. “How long have you been awake?”
ed, amling softly. “You looked peaceful. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
ing as his muscles protested the uncomfortable sleeping position. In one fluid motion, he moved from the chair to perch on the edge of canvful not to jostlene. His hand reached up to brush a strand of hair from my face, his touch lingering on my cheek.
How are you feeling this noming? The concern in his voice made my heart constrict.
I assured him, leaning into his touch. The pain is mostly gone. Just tired and ready to leave this place.”
was tinged with relief. He leaned forward, pressing his forehead against mine. “Soon,” he promised, his breath warm against my lips. manbe tomorrow, if your bloodwork comes back clear.”
dosed the mile distance between us, capturing his lips in a gentle kiss. His response was immediate, his hand sliding to cradle the back of my head. rangling in my hair. The kiss remained tender, mindful of my still–healing body, but contained a promise of passion to come that made my pulse
finally parted, his eyes had darkened to that mesmerizing shade that made my stomach flutter. “I’ll never get tired of that,” he murmured, tracing of my lower lip with his thunch,
“Good,” I whispered against his finger. “Because I intend to do it quite often.”
These moments of tenderness had become our sanctuary in the chaos of recovery and revelations. Yet I couldn’t help noticing how sometimes, when he thought I was 1 looking, shadows would cross Ethan’s face. His hand would freeze mid–caress, his expression crumpling as if struck by a physical blow. In those moments, I larw he was remembering that night six years ago, torturing himself with guilt despite everything I’d told him.
Like now–hia pene had drifted to the window, his fingers unconsciously pulling away from minhas his other hand rose to grip his hair in that familiar
rature of self–ren–natio
I called softly, reaching for his retreating hand and pulling it back into mine. “Where did you go just now?”
He didnt answer immediately, his jaw working as he struggled with whatever dark thought had captured him. I just he started, then shook his head. “I
cant forgive myself for what happened that night.”
A sigh, escaped me, part exasperation, part tenderness. “You know, for such a smart Alpha, you can be remarkably dense sometimes.”
Hayes snapped to mine, surprise
momentarily displacing the guilt.
bere,” I instructed, tugging him closer until he reluctantly complied, sitting beside me again. I
Ilaced our fingers together b
together, holding his gaze intently.
what happened that night, Ethan. The Moon Goddess showed me everything. There was no violation, no crime.” My voice softened further. “If should be grateful that of all the men in the world, it was my true mate who found me that night. Do you understand what a blessing that Lorada father isn’t some stranger, but you?”
The corner of his mouth twitched, not quite
quite a smile but propress nonetheless. When you put it
it that way.-*
Turtly,” I said, squeezing his land. “So no more of this brooding, all right? We’ve lost enough time to regrets a
and misunderstandings.”
