Chapter 59

Lukas

After the howl ended, and the pack and gathered fairies left to retreat to their quarters for the evening, I stayed in the clearing, leaning against the tree with my mate in my arms.

Her presence and the love I felt flowing towards me from her end of the bond — even without us being marked — helped a sense of momentary peace to settle within me. Losing my parents was painful, but having her with me made it seem bearable.

I closed my eyes and buried my face back into her neck, inhaling her scent, which was now even more intoxicating than it had been when I first discovered our bond.

When I opened my eyes again, we were on the floor of the clearing. My back was against the giant tree, and I held my June tightly against my chest, her eyes closed and her breathing deep and even in her sleep.

I kissed her forehead, letting my lips linger there for a moment. My hand lazily stroked the skin exposed by the open back of her dress, then I lifted my head and let myself take in the bea