Chapter 154. Everything

Althea blinked as warmth spread across her skin. Her breath hitched when she realized it wasn’t just the morning light, it was Gavriel. His lips trailed from her shoulder to the curve of her neck, each kiss slow and deliberate.

“Gavriel,” she whispered, her voice barely steady.

He paused and lifted his head, meeting her gaze. His expression softened, eyes filled with quiet tenderness she rarely saw.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “Did I wake you?”

Her heart pounded faster. He didn’t often sound like that—gentle, almost unsure. She swallowed hard, caught between surprise and the sudden rush of emotion his closeness brought.

She bashfully shook her head and gave him a timid smile.

“You’ll come with me to the Storm Riders Pack party tonight,” he murmured, his breath brushing her neck as he nudged closer, inhaling her scent.

“But why? Are you sure about this? I—” Her words tangled as confusion clouded her thoughts. Why would he take her there?