Daphne's POV
My fingertips drew slow patterns across Orion's chest, feeling the heat radiating from his skin. His heartbeat pounded steady beneath my touch, a rhythm that usually calmed me.
"The wedding has to happen soon," I murmured against his shoulder.
His breathing shifted. "With the Alpha heir?"
I pressed my face closer to his skin. "Xander was always a possibility for the annual shifter gathering. Honestly, I never imagined he'd actually choose me." My hand stilled against his ribs. "But fate delivered him anyway, despite everything Lyra tried to destroy. Despite whatever punishment the goddess decided I deserved."
The admission left a sour taste in my mouth.
