Chapter 21

Arya. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. I lay beside Tyler, the lingering echoes of our shared moments still palpable. A strange mix of contentment and uncertainty settled within me. The events of the past few days had been a tumultuous ride, from betrayal to forgiveness, and finally, the consummation of our mating. A blush spread through my body as I lay pressed against Tyler’s chest and one of his arms wound around me possessively. Last night, he had been so gentle, yet so passionate and the way he’d held me… it was almost like he’d been terrified I’d break if he applied too much force. I did feel closer to him now. It was inexplicable, but somehow my feelings were in tune with his. The sound of his voice and the feel of his touch were now the most familiar things to me and it was strange, but Tyler and I now seemed like two sides of a coin. Next to me, Tyler rustled in the sheets, gathering me into his arms so I was almost lying on