I woke up feeling tired. Last night was hard for me. I couldn't sleep knowing that he was right next to me. I craved him so badly that I wanted to touch myself, but he was there with me. His sharp intake of air reminded me that he was still wide awake, lying in only his boxers. His scent smelled so heavenly, driving me crazy. I lay on my back, not ready to get out of bed. I turn and stare at him. His eyes are closed, and part of his hair has fallen on his face. I want to reach forward to move it, but I stop myself. My gaze falls on his delicious lips, and the desire to climb over him, and fuck him senseless is very tempting. I need a cold shower. It will take away my sexual desire. I look at him one last time, and his eyes snap open. His eyes are dark and dangerous as they fall on my cleavage. " Good morning," he says, his voice a hoarse whisper. I contemplate answering him. His behavior from a few nights ago still annoys me. " Morning," I say quickly and turn away from him. I ho

Zuriel looks at the woman coming towards us with estimation. She is stunning with brown hair and high cheekbones. She has honey-brown eyes that look at my husband with fondness. I feel a growl leaving my chest, and I instinctively move closer to Zuriel, holding his hand. I'm surprised when he lifts my hand and brings it to his lips, kissing it quickly. The woman stands in front of me and bows her head politely. " Hello, Princess Elara," " Hello to you," I look up at Zuriel for an introduction, but he doesn't say a word. " Zuriel, I was informed you are. Is everything alright?" she asks with concern in her gaze. I hate how she looks at him. " Yes, Elara, got in a minor accident," he told her. The woman's gaze travels to me and frowns, " Are you alright, dear?" " Yes, I am. He just overreacted. My husband thinks I'm made of glass," I smile, staring at Zuriel. I have a great desire to show this woman that Zuriel is my husband. Mine. I'm claiming my territory. " Oh, that's a

Kuka Island is as always beautiful. People are friends, but today, I want no interaction with anyone. Leaving the village, I go deeper into a clearing with tall trees and greens where my family cabin is. The cabin is isolated so that we can shift whenever we please without scaring the locals. I get a key in the hiding spot and unlock the house. It is just as it was when we were here last time. Someone comes to clean it once a week. I go upstairs to my bedroom and take a shower. I change into a maxi dress and then go outside. I walk a mile from the cabin and discover the beach. I sit on one of the large rocks. In my thoughts. I hear nothing but the crashing sound of the water against the land. It is peaceful here. I'm in a state of tranquility. I close my eyes, enjoying myself. I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up, it was almost dark. The weather has changed as the wind rustles the leaves in the nearby woods. I stagger to my feet when I see a silhouette of a man. "

Elara I feel hot in my body, and everything hurts, but the pain in my neck is unbearable. I slowly open my eyes to a pink room. It is my sister's room in the cabin. How did I get here? For a moment, I don't recall events that transpired last night. I move, but someone is spooning me from behind. I feel panic, but it goes away when I smell Zuriel's delicious scent. I see a flash of Zuriel carrying me last night. Why was he? ' That bastard Connor marked us?' Ara growls and I flinch. My blood runs cold. My hands fly to my burning neck, and I gasp as everything that happened comes back to me. He marked me! He forcefully marked me! " You're awake. How do you feel?" Zuriel's voice is panicked. He sits up straight, facing me. His hand touches my forehead. " Does your head hurt?" he asks. I feel tears brimming in my eyes, and they fall. He hovers over and carefully hugs me, ensuring his weight doesn't crush me. His hug is warm and tender. " I'm sorry about everything that happened,

Today is one of the best days of my life. Zuriel and I are a real couple, doing what couples do! I love how he randomly kisses me and asks how I'm doing. He asks if the mark is giving me problems, which it is as it itches and burns, but I lie, telling him it's fine now. It is late when we go to the cabin. I don't see Solena and Bruce, but I know they are in a part of the house. I decide to make myself a couple of teas while Zuriel takes a shower after talking to my parents. I'm standing by the window when I see Connor still tied to a tree. Fuck, he will die out there sooner or later. I grab a bottle of water and take it to him. " Open up," I say, void of emotions. I take a bottle to his lips. He opens his lips and gulps the water I'm giving him. Boy, is he thirsty? When he's done drinking, I create distance from him. " My mother didn't mean to kill your sister. Juliana was so obsessed with my father and ended up kidnapping my brother, Khai. Mom pushed her over the cliff to save he