Orion’s POV
The morning sun filtered into the room in a soft golden haze, its warmth teasing me awake. For a moment, I forgot where I was—until I felt her. Ava. Her small hand was draped across my chest, as though in sleep, she sought the same comfort I did.
I froze, barely breathing, afraid of disturbing her. My gaze drifted to her face—serene, delicate, so painfully beautiful it made my chest ache. A stray strand of her auburn hair brushed against her cheek, and I had to fight the overwhelming urge to reach out and tuck it behind her ear.
Everything about her ignited something raw inside me.
Last night… God help me. What started as a need to keep her here—to stop her from slipping through my fingers again—had turned into something much darker. I’d lost control. My need for her, my hunger, had overtaken my reasoning.
What if I scared her away? What if she looked at me now and saw nothing but a monster?