You awake in your bedroom still engulfed in darkness, soft rays of moonlight glistening across the silken bedsheets. Your mate's breath tickles over your neck, his shadows caressing over your skin, and his muscled arms wrapped tightly over your waist, holding you close to his bare chest. His bare everything.

Azriel snores softly, and with the quick turn of your head, seeing his face soft and relaxed, eyes closed, it's blatant he's asleep. Carefully, you attempt to slide free from the bed without waking him. You can still feel the throb and ache of him in your core. Blushing, you attempt to lift his arm from your bare body, wanting some fresh air, perhaps a bath.

You'd heard of the effects of the mate bond, the heightened senses and needs in those first days, weeks and months. But this— last night. You had not expected that. Never anticipated it to be so intense. You're lost in the need for a break and the faint stirring of wanting more.