The book had been open on my desk for nearly an hour.

I hadn't read a single page.

Across the room, Val moved around her side of the dorm, putting away a few things and preparing for bed. She had stopped pretending my presence made her uncomfortable. She no longer avoided looking at me or found excuses to leave when we were alone.

That ordinary closeness had become part of our lives.

The bond was warm and steady. My wolf was settled, but I knew neither of us was sleeping tonight.

"Are you ...