You were freaking out. It was the night after your mating ceremony, and you were awake before your mate, who happened to be sleeping soundly next to you.

You were wearing his shirt, your body littered with bruises, hickeys, and scratches, as is his. You had known male mates were affected differently by the bond, not this much…

Why had nobody warned you? The question lingered in your mind as you tried to wriggle your way out of bed, out of his arms…

“Please don’t wake up…” You mutter.