The den had fallen into a heavy, almost sacred quiet after the claiming. The fire had burned down to glowing embers, bathing the stone walls and thick furs in a deep, flickering amber light. I lay curled in Cassian’s lap, still trembling, every muscle aching, every nerve raw. The pain from their grips still throbbed through my back, hips, ribs, and thighs in slow, burning waves. Slick and cum continued to leak from me in slow, sticky trails, but the alphas’ hands were gentle now. Cassian stroked my back in slow circles. Aurelius wiped my face with a soft cloth. Thorne’s large palm rested on my thigh, thumb tracing soothing patterns over the bruises he had left. For a moment, the world outside the den felt distant. Then the wind howled against the mountains, sharp and cold, carrying scents that made my stomach twist. The scent of rival scouts. Closer now. Bold. Thorne’s green eyes narrowed as he rose to the hearth, muscles coiled. “They are close,” he said, voice low and dangerous. “
Read more