9

As the first light of dawn crept through the window, Penelope opened her eyes and found herself nestled in the warm embrace of her mate, Liam. She reached out to touch his face, tracing the contours of his jawline with her fingers. He stirred and opened his eyes, smiling at her with a look of pure love and adoration.

She couldn't help but feel a flutter of happiness in her chest as she looked at him. But the happiness was tinged with a sense of dread, knowing that they had to be careful. Her maids would be here soon to tend to her, and she couldn't risk them catching Liam in her room.

She gently shook him awake, whispering for him to get dressed and leave before they were caught. He groaned in protest, but quickly complied, pulling on his clothes and giving her one last kiss, telling her en passant that he would think of a way to figure out the problem and get back to her, before climbing out the window and disappearing into the woods.

Penelope watched him go, her heart heavy with long