Melva woke up early, wanting to prepare breakfast for Simon. Her mate had come back so late the night before that she was already asleep. She was sure he would be up early again to leave for another important task—she barely saw him anymore. Still, she hoped she could at least catch him this morning before the sun fully rose.

She quickly packed the meal into a basket and made her way to Simon’s assigned quarters next to hers. It was funny, she thought, how they were already bonded, yet had ...