Serena stirred, Dex's arms tightly wrapped around her.
She didn't open her eyes right away.
But then, without warning, a surge of love—deep, unwavering, and fierce—pulsed into her through their matebond. Devotion. Adoration. So raw and overwhelming, it jolted her.
She opened her eyes, and saw Dex watching her, his eyes filled with so much love that it brought a lump to her throat.
"I almost lost you," he said, voice rough. "So you're going to let me take care of you. Whatever this is, I've got you. Let me carry some of it."
He pulled her up for a kiss and pressed his forehead into hers.
She didn't realize how heavy the weight on her chest was until he did that.
