Chapter 156 : Mate Bond

*Daphne*

I awoke wrapped securely in Rion's arms, his muscular chest pressed against my back and his face nuzzled into my hair. His steady breaths tickled the nape of my neck. As an early morning breeze blew gently through the open balcony doors into our chambers, I smiled contentedly.

This was my favorite way to wake up—entangled with my beloved mate. After so many years together, I still relished the intimacy of skin against skin. I caressed Rion's arms, which encircled my waist. He inhaled deeply and soon his lips found that sensitive spot below my ear that never failed to make me shiver.

I turned in his arms to face him. His hair was endearingly mussed and his gray eyes still heavy with sleep. But they lit up as he gazed at me. "Good morning."

"Is it still morning?" I teased. "We might have slept half the day away."

“That is retired life.”