Julian made a broken sound in his chest-half laugh, half surrender-and tucked his face into her neck ike he didn’t trust himself to hold that kind of happiness anywhere else.
Kaelani’s body softened against him, eyelids growing heavy. She stroked his hair as sleep finally started to pull her under.
Julian stayed awake just long enough to feel her breathing even out.
And then his eyes closed too.
They fell asleep tangled together, limbs heavy, the bond humming low and satisfied beneath their skin.
Kaelani drifted more than once in the night, only to be pulled back against him each time-Julian’s arm tightening instinctively around her waist, his grip possessive even in sleep.
Like something in him refused to let her slip too far-like he needed the constant proof.
And when the early hours crept in-long before the sun rose-he woke just enough.
Not fully conscious. Not thinking
Just needing
He found her in the dark and pulled her close again, his touch insistent as his body moved with hers.
She matched his rhythmn until the tension finally eased and the bond beneath their skin settled again.
Kaelani stirred when the first light filtered through the curtains.
She shifted carefully, starting to ease out of Julian’s hold.
His arm tightened immediately, even in sleep-a quiet refusal.
She smiled softly and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“I’ll be back,” she murmured, voice low and warm. “I’ll make us breakfast.”
He didn’t
swer. Didn’t open his eyes.
Chipler
(pause
It
But lus grip loosened reluctant, slow as if letting her go went against instinct even now.
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Once she slipped free, he Tolled slightly onto his side, his breathing deepening as sleep pulled him under completely.
Kaelani slid out of bed, her feet touching the floor, her body still carrying the echo of the night before.
She ached-deep and lingering-but in a way that warmed her rather than hurt.
Every movement reminded her of him.
Of them.
Kaelani moved quietly toward the door, her mind already drifting to the thought of a shower-of washing away the sweat,
residual heat of the night.
But she stopped.
A slow smirk curved across her lips.
No.
Not yet.
the
She turned back instead, crossing to the dresser and pulling open the top drawer. Her fingers brushed over soft fabric before she found a clean pair of panties, slipping them on with unhurried
ease.
From there, she moved to the closet, scanning briefly before pulling out a fitted tank top and a pair of jeans. She dressed quickly but not carelessly, each movement smooth-still carrying that quiet confidence the night had left behind.
Boots came next.
She flexed her fingers, violet flickering faintly at her pulse, before she glanced back toward the bed.
To him.
Julian lay there, deep in sleep, his body still-peaceful in a way that made her heart stutter. Worn out, completely, by his own relentless appetite-
For her.
A soft smile touched her lips.
Her mate.
The word settled differently now. Heavier. Real.
r
She held that sight for a moment longer-like she was imprinting it-before something in her pulled her forward again.
And in a flash of violet-
She was gone.
Kaelani reappeared inside Garrick’s cell.
He jerked upright at the sudden flare, hand half-lifting like he was about to defend himself before recognizing her.
*1 suppose yra te right,” she said after a beat Fm still grin the lung of this drap
Garrick huffed something that might’ve been a laugh.
She crossed fur arms lightly. “You ready to get out of here?i
immediately.
subtle breath,
lowly to her neck.
te mark
e tugged at the corner of his mout!
he said, tone changing just slightl and I’m officially free.”
lani exhaled through her nose.
I’m on a tight schedule right now
Before he could question that, sig
Violet flared beneath her pal
The cell dissolved around
and they reappear
Garrick stumbled
One second he
The next
formed me they’re finalizing my release papers. Another few
d placed her hand on his shoulder.
the Silveredge packhouse.
ack into place.
Stone st
ont of the Silveredge packhouse.
s scanning the familiar grounds like he didn’t quite trust them.
once, still trying to catch up. “I was in a prison cell.”
him with a firm hand at his arm.
oved.
ward the packhouse steps.
his gray prison jumpsuit, shoes scuffing against stone, the reality of it catching up to him in waves.
the entrance straightened immediately.
3 5
ait
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on began, then faltered. Cleared his throat. “Mr. Blake we’re under strict orders not to allow anyone entry withand Alpha Christian’s approval.”
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