[DAMIAN]

“Life is grand, isn’t it, babe?” Lyra’s voice was light, teasing, as her hand fit snugly in mine while we walked down the crowded street of the shopping center.

I looked at her, a small smile tugging at my lips. She glowed—radiant in her happiness, basking in the aftermath of her birthday.

Yesterday, I finally deemed her mature enough to consummate our bond. She wore my mark proudly across her neck, though the bruises elsewhere were hidden beneath fabric. My nature as a ...