You weren’t meant to be here, spending nights with Azriel while your mate—the one you loathed—slept just a few doors away. You despised Lucien, resented the Cauldron for pairing you with him.

Yet here you were, wrapped in Azriel’s arms, his hand gently tracing circles on your back as he pressed soft kisses to your forehead. Your bare limbs were tangled under the soft sheets.

For once, Azriel looked content, a rare glimpse of happiness in his usually guarded expression.