Rayna POV
Warmth.
That was the first thing I felt.
A slow, steady heat pressed against my back, a strong arm wrapped around my waist, fingers resting just below my ribs. My head was resting on something firm a chest that rose and fell with deep, unhurried breaths.
I blinked awake.
When my vision cleared, I realized two things:
I was human again.
I was wearing Rowan's shirt. His huge, soft, warm shirt that fell to mid-thigh on me.
Oh.
Oh god.
I froze.
Rowan's arm tightened instantly, like even half-asleep he sensed I was waking.
"Morning," he murmured, voice deep and sleep-rough.
He sounded unfairly attractive.
I turned slightly to look at him. His hair was messy, curls falling over his forehead. His hazel eyes were heavy with sleep, and he looked… peaceful.
Too peaceful.
"Did I… sleep in your arms all night?" I asked quietly.
"You passed out on me," he said. "I wasn't going to leave you on the cold floor."
My cheeks warmed.
"Oh."
"And," he added, lips brushing the side of my neck as he spoke, "you wouldn't let go. Even in your sleep."
I swore my heart stopped beating.
He sat up behind me, pulling me gently with him. The shift had left my muscles sore, but being wrapped in him made everything feel softer.
I didn't get the chance to say anything back, because suddenly..
"Rayna?"
Rowan and I both turned at the same time.
Elara stood at the entrance of the chamber, wide-eyed, mouth slightly open.
Her gaze traveled from Rowan's arms around me…
to Rowan's shirt on me…
to Rowan's bare chest pressed against my back.
"Oh," she said slowly. "Well. This is… new."
I scrambled away from Rowan so fast I nearly tripped.
"I-it's not-"
"We-uh-"
Rowan just yawned.
Show-off.
Elara walked forward, crossing her arms. "I came to check on you because it's your first full moon. I didn't expect to walk into this."
"I'm fine," I muttered, tugging the oversized shirt lower.
Rowan smirked.
Traitor.
Then Elara's attention shifted and something strange happened.
The air between her and Rowan changed. Subtle, but there. Recognition. Familiarity.
Rowan nodded at her.
"Elara."
"Rowan."
She lifted a brow.
I looked between them slowly.
"…Wait. You two know each other?"
Elara winced. Rowan rubbed his jaw. Both avoided looking at me.
My stomach dropped.
"Okay," I said. "Someone talk. Now."
Elara sighed. "Fine. We… used to mess around."
My heart stung, unexpectedly sharp.
"Oh."
"It wasn't serious," she rushed to add. "We weren't in love. We weren't even… together. It was just"
"Fun," Rowan finished casually.
I blinked hard.
Fun.
Right.
My chest tightened in a way I absolutely hated.
Elara stepped closer to me, taking my hands. "Rayna, listen to me. It ended a long time ago. And trust me"
Her eyes flicked to Rowan, then back to me.
"He's never looked at anyone the way he looks at you."
I felt Rowan tense behind me.
"Elara," he said under his breath.
"What? It's true." She shrugged. "You two practically radiate mate-bond heat."
I glared at her.
She grinned.
"It's not a big deal," she said lightly. "He and I weren't anything emotional. And I'm not here to come between you two. I just came to make sure you're alive."
The knot in my chest loosened. A little.
Still, I couldn't ignore the flare of jealousy that burned through me sharp and new and embarrassing.
"I just… didn't expect it," I admitted quietly.
Rowan stepped beside me, his fingers brushing mine, slow and deliberate.
"You don't have to worry," he said. "I don't want her."
Elara groaned. "Wow. Romantic."
Rowan's gaze stayed on me.
"I want you."
Heat surged up my neck.
Elara laughed. "Okay, well, now that the tension has hit maximum level, I'm going to go"
Rowan grumbled, "Do you ever stop talking?"
"Nope," she chirped before heading toward the stairs. "Love you both. Don't do anything I wouldn't actually, never mind. Do whatever you want."
She disappeared, leaving Rowan and me alone again.
Silence settled.
A warm kind of silence.
Rowan stepped closer, his voice low.
"Rayna… I meant what I said."
I looked up, breath catching.
"You're the only one I want," he murmured. "And the only one I've wanted since the moment I saw you."
I swallowed.
"You can't just say things like that."
"Why not?" he asked softly. "They're true."
Before I could answer, he picked up my hand and pressed it to his chest
right over his heart.
"I'm yours," he said. "Whether you want me or not."
My breath hitched.
And …
I didn't pull away.