Page 23 of A Sunwoven Ascent

“This one’s been a complete crank since his tonic wore off,” Holden said, smirking at Evelyne.

“I’m amazed Lorena didn’t prescribe a muzzle.”

Kaldrek lifted a brow and brushed a hand over the rough scruff along his jaw. Evelyne did not mind it. If anything, the longer beard made him look even less like the polished, clean-shaven lords back home, and far more like the sort of danger a lady ought to avoid at all costs.

Which only made her want him more, and the thought sent heat rushing into her cheeks.

His pupils flared as though he had felt the spark of it through the bond. Whatever you’re thinking, save it until this pest leaves… or I’ll drag him out by the collar, throw you onto this bed, and take my time reacquainting myself with every inch of you.

Evelyne swallowed hard. Holy hell.

“He’s quite stubborn, isn’t he?” she said, eyes flicking to Holden. “It’s a shame Lorena didn’t have a reason to stitch his mouth shut. Though I suppose I should be grateful there’s no scar to ruin that pretty face.”

Kaldrek’s eyes slid back to her. “You do seem rather fond of my mouth.” He winked.

Holden snorted. “Please. Get a room.”

“I have one,” Kaldrek said flatly. “Now leave.”

“Fine,” Holden grumbled. “But I’m going to be right outside this door.”

Evelyne gave him a soft, grateful smile as he did exactly that. It wasn’t privacy, not truly, but it was something.

“Get over here,” Kaldrek said smoothly.

Evelyne stopped at the edge of the bed. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

Kaldrek laughed. Not a gentle sound, but a short, rough bark of amusement. Then he sat up, caught her by the waist, and drew her into the bed with enough ease to startle a squeak from her.

He pressed his nose to her throat and inhaled like he needed the scent of her to steady himself. “You,” he murmured, “are a brutal little fighter. But you’re far too small to ever hurt me.”

Evelyne pulled back just enough to give him an unimpressed look. “Small?” she repeated. “Careful, Alpha. I’ve already proven I can bite.”

His mouth curved. “I’m counting on it.”

He kissed the mark at her neck, then nipped it. A soft sound slipped from her before she could stop it. But the warmth lasted only a heartbeat before the memory surged back in and the fear of losing her mate almost sent her off the rails.

“Kaldrek,” she whispered.

He stilled at her tone.

“I thought he was going to kill you,” she said, her voice breaking. “And I…” She swallowed hard as his arms tightened around her. “I couldn’t stop myself. I—”

“I know,” he said.

Tears spilled down her face as the last of the shock broke through her—the fear, the horror of how close she had come to taking Alaric’s life, and beneath it all, the overwhelming relief that Kaldrek was still here.

“Hey.” Kaldrek shifted, gentle but firm. “Hey. Look at me.” He caught her chin and turned her face to his. His eyes were steady, anchoring. “Listen to me, love.”

Evelyne nodded, lashes fluttering shut.

“You’re new to all of it. The instincts. The senses. The way everything hits harder.” His thumb brushed her cheek. “And that’s before we even count the bond. Or what you’ve been forced to survive these past months.” His voice dropped. “You acted like a wolf. You acted like my mate. You protected me.”

She shook her head, tears falling harder. “He looked so afraid.”

Kaldrek’s expression gentled. “Yes,” he said quietly. “He was afraid. He likely still is. He is fighting something too.”

He was right. Alaric was not only grappling with unfamiliar instincts. He was fighting for his mind. For his soul. Beside that, Evelyne’s shame suddenly seemed smaller.