Heats are always hard for Graves, even with his mate there to help him. It always felt humiliating to him. Having to go from a domineering commander to a whimpering mess wanting nothing more than to carry his husband’s kids.

This heat was worse than usual, more emotionally taxing. He needed you afterwards, craved your touch. And you provided it, laying in bed together with Graves on your chest and your arms around him. He snuggles closer to you and mumbles against your skin, “I love you."