SERAPHINA’S POV
Ashar’s abrupt withdrawal caught Kieran off guard.
It was obvious in the way his balance faltered, the way his control slipped just enough for instinct to surge unchecked.
His hand shot out, searching for balance—and caught my shoulders. His weight followed before either of us could stop it.
I yelped as I was pushed back into the grass, air rushing from my lungs in a single, stunned gasp.
The impact didn’t hurt, but the sudden closeness was jarring, and my heart slammed so hard against my ribs, I was sure Kieran would feel it.
Because he was above me. Pressed against me.
Bare skin to bare skin.
Moonlight traced the sharp edges of his body, each breath he took rising and falling against me, his warmth ghosting over my face.
My palms pressed flat to his chest, fingers spread wide over muscles still thrumming with the wild energy of the Shift.
For half a second that lasted an eternity, neither of us moved.
Then heat flooded me.
