Chapter 21: Alone Together

Dane POV

Dane stood in the doorway of his parents' bedroom, which he’d made his own, giving the room a fresher look once he knew he would be bringing a mate home. The old fireplace, the wide bed, and the bookcase full of his favorite books remained the same. Comforting.

Lilia stood warming her hands by the fire. The flames created both light and shadow that highlighted the elegant line of her back and the generous curves of her buttocks. She'd stayed naked.

He took a breath and joined her, wrapping his arms around her, kissing her neck. He’d shut the door behind him and locked it.

Lilia’s body jerked, startled, then relaxed into him, pressing close, trapping his manhood delightfully against her softness. “Is everything all right?”

He continued to kiss the delicate line of her neck, lingering over the mate mark. “You earned a worry-free night tonight. Let tomorrow take care of itself.”

Her breath caught and her back arched. “As if you’ve ever heeded that advice.”