DINNER BEFORE LUNA CEREMONY

HAZEL

I'm the first person to wake up the following morning. I lie tiredly against Ramon's exposed chest. I'm too warm to crawl out of bed, and way too nervous to go back to sleep.

His breaths are slow and have a steady rhythm. One that will never get old. Although Ramon has already marked me, the ceremony that will happen tonight will mark our official future together as leaders of the bunch of Packs.

I try my best to hold onto my sleep, studying my mate like I usually do before I shut my eyes and begin to dream. His sleeping form is the most peaceful. The creases on his forehead from stressing too much has faded, and the permeate frown on his face has turned into a baby-like pout. If he wasn't asleep and I wasn't worried about waking him up so early, I would kiss them.

His face and cheeks are littered in a stubble that he hasn't shaved in a few days. I'm sure today will be the day it'll become bare again.

"Hazel," he says softly, not opening his eyes. He tugs me closer to him and ro