I woke up with a languid sort of ache in my limbs and surrounded by the scent of my mate. And I had the thought that I wouldn’t mind waking up like this every morning for the rest of my life.

I knew even before I opened my eyes that I was alone in bed, a fact that was both a disappointment and a relief. While I would much prefer to have woken up beside my mate, I also needed a minute to compose myself. I wasn't too concerned that he’d left, because I could sense him close by, and I ...