Page 39 of Accidentally on Purr-pose

She glanced toward the window, where the sun was climbing higher. "I have a feeling today is going to be eventful." She smiled and turned to look at him, finally allowing herself to fully appreciate his naked form as he stood and stretched.

Izei noticed her appreciative gaze and grinned, the expression transforming his usually serious face into something boyish and devastating. "Enjoying the view, my queen?"

Heat flooded her cheeks. "Maybe." She forced herself to look away and reach for her clothes on the floor. "But we don't have time for that right now."

"We will later," he promised, his voice dropping to that low, commanding tone.

Focus, Freesia.

She pulled on her panties and bra, hyperaware of his gaze tracking her every movement. When she glanced up, she caught him staring at the mate mark on her hip, and the possessive satisfaction in his expression made her blood sing.

"Like what you see, Alpha?" she teased.

"Always." The simple honesty in his voice made her heart race.

She pulled on her cargo pants and long-sleeved black shirt, the familiar comfort of practical clothing grounding her after the emotional intensity of the morning. When she laced up her boots, she realized this was the first time in months she'd gotten dressed without immediately reaching for the satchel.

The freedom was intoxicating.

"I'll meet you downstairs once you get dressed," she said, heading toward the door.

"Freesia."

She turned back, her eyebrows raised.

"Thank you." His voice was quiet. "For trusting me with this. For trusting me with everything."

The love flowing through their bond was so intense it nearly staggered her. "Thank you for being someone I can trust."

Then she stepped into the hallway, pulling the heavy door closed behind her, and immediately froze.

Luka and Kenia were pressed against the wall just outside Kenia's guest room, locked in what was clearly not their first kiss of the morning. Luka's hands were tangled in Kenia's dark hair, and she was practically melting against him with a soft sound of contentment.

"Oh, sorry," Freesia said, unable to keep the amusement out of her voice. "Didn't mean to intrude."

They broke apart quickly, both looking slightly dazed and thoroughly rumpled. Luka's hair was sticking up at odd angles, and Kenia's cheeks were flushed pink.

"No worries," Luka said with his characteristic grin, though his voice was rougher than usual. "We were just... waiting for you and Izei. Passing the time."

Kenia swatted his arm, her blush deepening. "Luka!"

"What? It's true." He winked at Freesia. "We've been up for an hour already."

"Come on," Kenia said, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the staircase. "Let's get downstairs before you embarrass us both further."

Freesia followed them down the corridor, unable to suppress her smile. After months of loss and grief, seeing her best friend find happiness—seeing all of them find reasons to hope—felt like a small miracle.

They descended the staircase together, their footsteps echoing in the grand foyer. As they turned down the corridor toward the living room, Freesia could already hear voices—Reth's steady baritone and Aldric's familiar cadence.

When they entered what had become their makeshift operational headquarters, she found both men hunched over maps and documents scattered across every available surface. Reth looked up first, his expression brightening when he saw her.

"Perfect timing," he said, straightening. "I have news."

Freesia's heart leaped. "About my pride members?"

"Yes, twenty of them are en route as we speak. They should be here by dusk." His smile was genuine. "Your people are coming home, Freesia."

Home.