Chapter 95. Not My Name

CADE

I can’t believe she’s my mate. Not just a woman I’d die for, not just the one I love so deeply it hurts. She’s my mate.

The world had been spinning on its head the past few days. Everything that came before—the expulsion, the campaigns, the exposure of my family—none of it mattered. It didn’t compare to this. To her.

To the way her lips found mine in the maze gardens, making everything else feel trivial in comparison.

Meeting her was a blessing. Being her mate was a godsend.

Arden.

She made me feel like I was on top of the damn world.

We kissed like the world was ending, desperate to savor one last taste before everything burned to ashes. I had my arms around her waist, pulling her against me. Her hands tangled in my hair, fingers twitching with excitement. Her scent intensified the moment she uttered the word, “mate.”

I wanted to drown in her essence.

My lips were swollen; hers were too, but I didn’t care. I tilted my head