He slept in her room that night, holding her close against his chest.
Lara rested her head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.
Now she understood why he had always wanted her close.
Why he protected her, watched over her, and never wanted her to leave.
She had thought he was simply being protective.
But now she understood.
He had known she was his mate long before she did.
Maybe she had never felt the bond because she was wolfless.
She smiled softly.
He was her man.
And all this time, he had been hers.
The next morning, Lara opened her eyes to find Thornak already awake.
He stood shirtless near the table, holding a steaming cup of tea from the breakfast tray the maids had brought. Sunlight streamed through the window, falling across his perfect body.
A sudden wave of shyness washed over her when she remembered what happened the night before. She pulled the sheet higher to cover her naked body.
