Althea’s lips parted, trembling slightly. “I love you,” she repeated, her gaze locked with his. Her cheeks flushed as a shy smile curved her lips. Seeing the raw emotion in his eyes was almost too much, it was overwhelming in the best way.

Gavriel suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace. Neither of them spoke; they simply stayed there, wrapped in silence, feeling each other’s emotions flow through their mate bond.

Then, gently, he drew back just enough to look at her. His hands came ...