“I know this is irrational,” I said quickly. “And I’m not asking you to fix it. I just—” I stopped, pressed my lips together, then tried again. “Would you maybe be willing to sleep in the bed with me? You absolutely don’t have to. I can also just… deal with it. I’ve dealt with worse. I?—”
He crossed the room and pulled the covers back. “May I?” he asked, already halfway in.
“Yes,” I said, relief rushing through me so fast it was dizzying.
He climbed into the bed and turned on his side, giving me space. I stared at the ceiling, suddenly very aware of everything again.
“Can I hold you?” heasked quietly.
I nodded before I remembered I was supposed to be maintaining some semblance of distance. He slid an arm under my shoulders and pulled me in. I shifted instinctively, settling my cheek against his bare chest.
The warmth emanation from him was the perfect counterpoint to the swirling uncertainty and newness around us. I was surprised at how quickly my body relaxed. Muscles unclenched. Thoughts slowed. The noise inside me softened until it was barely there at all.
This was regulation. Complete and total regulation.
Arthur’s other hand rested lightly at my back.
The storm raged outside, but it didn’t touch me.
I had never been this comfortable in my life. I breathed once, deeply, and let myself stay.
16
ARTHUR
With Artemis in my arms, it was like the world had finally corrected itself.
I had no doubts anymore, no curiosity about whether this was real or imagined or wishful thinking. The bond simply existed.
Artemis lay against my chest, her weight relaxed, trusting, unguarded. Her body had settled as if it recognized the place before her mind ever could.
My arm curved around her without thought. Not possessive in a way that would frighten her. Just holding her, supporting her.
I had spent decades carrying responsibility. I had learned how to stand under weight without bending. I had learned how to be calm when everything was out of control.
None of that compared to this.
The contentment of having her here reached places inside me that nothing else ever had. My mind, which usually ranthrough plans and contingencies even in sleep, went still. Every part of me agreed on this one thing.
She belonged here.
Should I tell her what she was to me? That we were fated mates?
The answer came immediately.
No, not yet.
I wouldn’t put that weight on her. I wouldn’t turn this into a claim before she had time to decide what she wanted. The bond was binding and permanent. Even when freely chosen, it changed the shape of a life.
Artemis deserved choice. She deserved time. She deserved to wake up and decide for herself whether what she felt was affection, attraction, comfort, or something more. She deserved to have an adventure without this hanging over her head.
Even if waiting was a constant, persistent ache all throughout my body.
I rested my hand against her back, memorizing the feel of her. Her body remained relaxed against mine, the storm outside failing to touch her now.
I had fought battles and led councils. I had flown into fire.
None of it compared to this.
