Chapter 22
AUREN
Icannot believe she wanted me to stay with her. I lie on my back, staring at the ceiling of the tent, hardly daring to move. I had expected to be relegated to the farthest corner. Instead, I’m here, by her side, sharing the same blanket and furs.
My heart pounds as I look over at Vivienne. Her back is to me, her shoulders bare beneath the thin straps of her silken nightshift. Moonlight spills through the canvas, illuminating the faint dusting of freckles scattered across her skin.
My gaze lingers as I commit each to memory, longing to trace them with my fingertips, to count them slowly, learning every sacred part of her. Her delicate scent surrounds me, and my fangs extend as I study the elegant column of her neck.
I desire more than anything to give her my claiming mark. To claim her as mine so that every male will know she is my mate and my queen.
Still asleep, she turns onto her back and rolls toward me. Clenching my jaw, I force myself to remain still, not wanting to break this fragile moment as she drapes her arm over my bare chest, her body pressing against my side.
My pulse spikes and my mind stops functioning as she slips her slender leg over mine. My stav extends from my body, painfully erect and straining against my pants, as need floods my veins. I want her so much it is maddening.
Her breath is warm against my skin as she murmurs, “Stay here, Auren. Don’t want you hurt.”
Something inside me tightens. She wasn’t just afraid for herself, she was worried for me. Which means she cares more than I thought.
Carefully, I slide my arm around her, pulling her just a fraction closer.
She sighs, her body melting against mine, her fingers curling against my chest. My arms tighten before I can stop them.
Every instinct I possess urges me to pull her closer…
to keep her here and never let her go. But I force myself to relax.
I don’t even dare breathe too deeply as I revel in this moment…
this impossible, lovely gift she has unknowingly given me.
She shivers slightly, and I carefully pull the blanket up to cover her, making sure she is warm. A soft sigh escapes her lips as she snuggles closer into my side.
Fierce possessiveness surges through me. Unable to help myself, I nuzzle her hair.
She is mine. Even if she does not yet know it. Even if she never says the words. From the moment I first saw her, I knew I would never want anyone else.
Vivienne allowed me to sleep beside her tonight. Not because I asked, and not because she admitted she wanted to. She found a reason, because some part of her wanted me close.
I understand, suddenly, that winning her heart may not look like what I imagined. It may not be a grand declaration or a chosen moment. It may simply be this… being the person she gravitates toward when her pride finally runs out of arguments.
She has already laid claim to my heart. Now, I must find a way to earn hers in return.