ARDEN My eyes widened. I hadn’t expected such a direct compliment in this town—especially from a child. Compliments from children were different. They had no hidden agenda and no layered flattery. So, when a child complimented you, it felt more real. I couldn’t help but smile as I leaned down, close enough to meet her bright gaze. Her yellow ribbons swayed as I reached out and gave one a gentle tug. “You’re even prettier,” I told her.Her cheeks flushed a deep rose, and she let out a shy giggle before rocking back on her heels.“What are your names?” I asked, noticing movement behind her. The other two children, both boys, had wandered closer, peeking out from behind her. The little girl straightened her back proudly. “I’m Vivoree,” she announced.I nodded, turning my gaze to the boys. “And you two?”“I’m Jaren,” the older one said, his voice slightly deeper but still holding that youthful tone.The youngest, who had messy dark hair sticking up in every direction, grinned mischievo
ARDEN My heart had been fluttering ever since we arrived.There was something about Ylarc that felt pleasant. The air carried a salty freshness from the sea, the cobblestone streets weren’t so quiet, and the people, though curious, seemed kind. I liked Fenra, of course. It’s my home after all. However, with Cade’s recent win, I couldn’t deny that our actions were now under public scrutiny. Here, no one knew us.Although humans didn’t have the best reputations in the entire world. They do quite a lot of stupid and unreasonable stuff. Along with that, some of them were convinced that shifters truly existed and some wanted to hunt us down or to make trophies of our kind. They never truly succeeded—Fenra wolves, and I guess those from other shifter countries, were too disciplined for that. We didn’t shift in open spaces, unless you went to designated shifting grounds or stumbled upon the deep forests, which were heavily guarded by each faction.Still… being here, in a place where I co
CADE “We’re near, sir. Only a few minutes more,” the captain said, his voice carrying easily over the soft splash of water against the hull.“Thank you,” I replied, leaning back slightly. “First time in Ylarc?” the captain asked.I shook my head. “No.” My gaze drifted to the horizon, the faint outline of the island coming into focus. “But it’s our first time together.”The captain smiled knowingly. “Well, you might put a ring on it. Ylarc is known for everlasting marriages.”I couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “One day,” I said quietly, more to myself than to him.The man’s eyes crinkled with amusement, but he turned back to his chamber, humming under his breath.I pushed myself up from the bench and made my way to our room. The floor swayed gently with the rhythm of the water, but I barely noticed. My focus was already on her.The door creaked softly as I stepped inside, and I saw my other half. She was sprawled on the bed in the most unguarded way, hair spilling a
ARDEN When we first started, it was still bright. The sunlight poured through the windows and wrapped us in its golden warmth.But now, it was dark.The soft rocking of the yacht was the only sound beyond my own breathing. Somewhere below us, the driver was asleep in his chamber. Cade and I were out on the deck, both of us wrapped in robes. Or… mostly wrapped.Only, from the look in his eyes, I had the distinct feeling that Cade had another idea entirely.“Cade,” I muttered, eyeing the mischievous glint on his face. Maybe I regretted telling him earlier that I’d missed his body—because, truth be told, he’d taken that as a personal challenge. He was relentless. A monster, really. A monster in the most maddening, unfairly irresistible way.“It’s a full moon tonight,” he murmured.I turned to him, startled, my eyes going wide. There was a symbolism to the full moon. Perhaps, we were finally going to mark each other? “Yup,” he answered even though I didn’t pose a question. My eyes wid
The yacht rocked gently beneath us. The ocean stretched endlessly outside the glass walls, glimmering in the midday light, but Cade had me backed against the wall of the majestic room. His nearness was a tide all its own, pulling me under.“Cade, wait!” I blurted, pressing my palms against his chest in a poor attempt to slow him down. “We haven’t even seen everything yet.” My voice sounded breathless, needy in a way I didn’t intend. “I’ll let you see it later,” he murmured. “Right now, there’s something else I want to see.” My eyes widened when he pulled me toward the bed, going on top of me and caging my head between his arms. Our bodies were dangerously close, and I found myself aching for him even more. “You might think you only want my body, but you have no idea, baby. I’ve been holding back.” His hand slid to the small of my back, pulling me flush against him. “Every damn moment in the office, I keep thinking about you. About how to pleasure you… in ways you haven’t even im
ARDEN My head felt like someone had stuffed it with clouds, then set the clouds on fire.I didn’t know what to do with myself. My thoughts were slow, dragging themselves through my brain. I couldn’t even remember how I fell asleep. Then I remembered the dream.In it, I had… oh, god.I had actually professed that I missed Cade’s body. It was a nightmare. An actual nightmare.I sighed in relief, pressing a hand to my face. It was just a dream. It wasn’t real. I could still face him with dignity.I yawned and rolled over, seeing my mate standing shirtless on the balcony. The early light spilled over his skin, highlighting every muscle. His hair was a little messy, his expression easy, and when he turned and caught me staring, he smiled.I gulped.Delicious. “Had a great sleep?” he asked, leaning against the railing like he didn’t know he was committing a crime just by existing like that.I nodded wordlessly. Talking seemed dangerous.“You don’t have any work?” I finally managed.“N