Warmth surrounded me when I first opened my eyes. Orion's strong arms were wrapped around my waist, his breath tickling the back of my neck. For one blissful moment, everything felt perfect. Last night had been passionate, urgent, and all-consuming—like a fantasy come to life.
I smiled and snuggled deeper into his embrace, savoring the way his body curled protectively around mine. This was what I'd always wanted—to be cherished by my mate. The universe had granted me that one wish, at least.
Then Orion shifted, and the gentle fantasy began to crumble.
His body tensed against mine. The arms that had held me so tenderly now felt rigid and uncomfortable. I turned to face him, hoping to see the same contentment in his eyes that I felt in my heart.
"Good morning," I whispered, reaching up to touch his face.
Orion caught my wrist before my fingers could make contact with his skin. His expression was unreadable, closed off in a way I'd never seen before.
"This was a mistake, Faye."