Page 42 of Alaska Lights

I love that he is in my bed.

I want to roll around in these damp, sweat-soaked sheets and wrap myself in his scent. It’s hard enough being this close to him, his natural cologne invading every sense.

“You had a nightmare. You’re okay, Helios. You’re safe.” I tuck a curl behind his ear, and he leans to the left, pressing his cheek against my palm.

My heart stutters.

Instead of soft skin, my fingers brush against his day-old stubble. It’s rough, like a gentler version of sandpaper.

I love how he feels against me.

I’m in awe. I become entranced and curious, brushing my knuckles across his cheek. His breath shakes as he exhales, but he doesn’t move; if anything, he closes his eyes to relax.

His heartbeat slows as he calms, and when he looks at me again, he freezes as if he has been caught.

I drop my hand with a clearing of my throat, not wanting to make the moment more awkward for him.

“I’ll uh…I’ll let you rest. I just wanted to come check on you.” I swing my legs over the bed and stand, unmoving.

I can’t seem to get my feet to move away from him.

The truth is, I don’t want to go. I want to stay and hold him close. I want him to let me chase his nightmares away.

I won’t push him. Even if our lives are on a timeline now. He has to choose to want me at his own pace.

Peeling my foot away from the floor, I take my first step.

“Wait.” He catches my wrist in his hand, tugging me to a stop.

I look over my shoulder with a raised brow and hope finding its way into my body.

“Stay,” he whispers, licking his lips. “Please, stay. I don’t want to be alone.”

I sit back down, the mattress dipping under my weight, the memory foam soft against me.

“Of course.” I try not to sound too eager. I can’t help it. I’m excited.

I haven’t been excited in so long I almost forgot what it felt like.

“Thank you.”

We lie next to each other, hands folded on our stomachs, both of us having no idea what to do next.

Listen to yourself.

Taking a deep breath through my nose and holding it, I take a chance and stretch my arm out, placing it around his shoulders.

His scent turns from sour to the smooth sweetness of honey again. Leo moves, placing his head on my chest.

I release a breath in relief and play with my mate’s hair without us saying another word to one another. There’s no need to fill the silence with anything.

All that matters is this moment.

The clanging of pots and pans wakes me up with a start, followed by the delicious, mouthwatering aroma of bacon.

I love bacon.

My stomach grumbles, yet it still isn’t enough for me to crawl out of bed. I’m exhausted and a bit sore still from the crash. I stretch my arms out, feeling nothing but empty space, and something in my mind clicks.