Chapter 223

A hand sliding over my body woke me the next morning. Evan was touching me idly and grinning as he lay propped on the bed.

“It was easier to wake you when we were bonded,” he said as I sluggishly roused myself.

“You could just let me sleep,” I yawned following him to the bathing room.

“It’s healthy to get up when the moon sets,” Evan informed me. “You miss the sun rise if you stay in bed. You must get up when we get up.”

“I thought you said I wasn’t your slave,” I said trying to reason with him. “I like to sleep after the sun has risen. Couldn’t you just tell the Cleaners not to come and leave me at home to sleep late and be by myself?”

Evan looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “Then you would become ill,” he informed me. “Getting up and going to the keepers is good for you. You require the companionship and exercise. The family must stay healthy and strong. Don’t worry, Ciara, we know what you need and will provide it for you.”

His argument was ro