-Evan-
So, this was what it was like? This was how others felt when they had their mates beside them, in their beds. Madeleine lay on her side, facing me as she slept peacefully. I had never felt such profound calmness, simply from the sight of her sleeping, knowing I was right there, ready to protect her if anything should happen.
Slowly, I lifted my hand and gently traced my fingers along the side of her cheek, feeling the warmth and softness of her skin beneath them. I had let her get so close—no, that wasn’t entirely true. She had found her way into my life on her own. Despite my desperate attempts to keep my distance, she had only drawn nearer. I had been powerless to resist, and it was only now, with her beside me, that I truly realized it.
After the tears had subsided and it felt
