Zoe’s POV I woke to the most delightful tingling sensation, intense sparks shooting pleasure straight between my legs from where Dillon nibbled his mark on my neck. A needy whimper bubbled over before I could stop it. This was going to be a problem. I could tell already. “I love that sound.” Dillon murmured, his lips still teasing my neck. “I love the things you’re doing to me when I’m making those sounds.” I wiggled my ass against his erection, making him groan. “I love when you make that sound too. But mostly, I just love you.” Dillon had me pinned beneath him before I could blink. “Say it again.” He whispered against my lips, smoothing my hair back and tucking a strand behind my ear tenderly. “It’s not like I’ve never said it before.” I giggled. “It’s different now. It’s like I can feel you, feel your love in every atom of my being. You’re woven so deeply into my soul and I never want to lose this feeling.” His tone was intense and fiercely possessive. “You’ll neve

Zoe’s POV An eerie silence engulfed me as I descended the last ridge, sending my mind reeling back to a night I never wanted to remember. My body rebelled, tremors rocking every muscle and making my gait unsteady. It was the same stale air and deadly quiet we’d encountered moments before the Dark Fae and stolen our consciousness and our peace of mind. I stopped in my tracks and worked to slow my rapid breaths and racing heart. Instinct told me to hide but I knew from experience there was nothing here that could protect me from their piercing gaze if they were nearby. I should have run fast and far, but I couldn’t do that either. Not if I wanted everyone else to live. Dark was a word that held no meaning in the presence of the Fae’s wicked counterparts. Wolves could see in the dark, but I couldn’t see a foot in front of me on this moonless night. I told myself that was a good thing. It meant I was where I needed to be. Creeping forward inch by inch, my progress slowed to a crawl

Dillon’s POV “Zoe! Fuck! Zoe, wake up! Come on baby doll. We’re not done yet. Wake the fuck up!” I pleaded with my mate’s limp form. Hanging lifelessly in my arms. She wasn’t dead. I could hear the sluggish thud of her heart, struggling to maintain a steady cadence. She was alive, but just. “Please, baby doll! I promise I’m not mad. If you just wake up, I won’t even mention you leaving me. We never have to talk about it again. Just come back to me!” I pleaded but she didn’t stir. “Noooo! Fuck! Please, Goddess! Don’t take her from me!” I held her tightly to my chest and sobbed into her hair. The fear of losing her had been the thing that spurred me into action when I first realized she’d gone. But now it paralyzed me. I knew I needed to do something. She was dying in my arms while I sat helplessly on the ground and let her life ebb away. I just didn’t know how to fix it, fix her. We were hours from home or any kind of help. If the pools of blood on the ground were any indi

Dillon’s POV My wolf never ceased to amaze me when it came to the lengths he would go to for our mate. What I felt for Zoe defied comprehension. I would give every last drop of blood, sweat, and tears to keep her safe, to make her happy. But my wolf would find strength beyond imagination when it came to protecting her. That was the only possible explanation for how I found myself carrying Zoe into the infirmary in half the time it had taken to get to her in the first place. Dorian had run at breakneck speed, his paws barely touching the ground, giving new meaning to the phrase “run like the wind.” It shouldn’t have been possible, but for Zoe he made it so. Dorian faded away the second we reached the front doors, panting heavily then drifting into a deep slumber. I rushed Zoe inside, in all my naked glory, no thought for anything other than getting help for my mate. “Somebody help! I need help over here!” I shouted, my feet slapping on the cold tile as I ran through the hall.

Zoe’s POV I felt like my head had been forced under water, fighting against the current, and I was just now floating back to the surface. I could hear voices in the distance, but they sounded too far away to hold any interest for me. I wanted to stay in my peaceful dream just a while longer. Selene had visited me again. Or more accurately, she’d brought me to visit her. I’d come to love the beautiful garden where she always met me. I wasn’t sure if it was a real place that she inhabited or just a figment of my imagination but it was so serene there. If it weren’t for my friends and family, I might want to stay forever. “Congratulations, Zoe!” She’d worn a huge, radiant smile and clapped her hands excitedly when I approached. “You played your part perfectly, just as I foresaw it. I’m so proud of you, my little she-wolf!” She applauded me like a director might praise his leading movie star. But when I pushed for more, she grew tight-lipped again. “Does that mean it was enough