Chapter 33 - Mia

I wake up and stretch, hyper-aware of the rock-hard body behind me. Last night I felt like I shed my skin just by opening up to Nikolaos, and our relationship feels like it can progress from here.

He still thinks he’s ruined, and I think that about myself too. I just hope we can grow closer and heal ourselves while we heal each other.

Turning around in his embrace, I’m surprised he’s still sleeping. Last night must have been cathartic for him, just as it was for me - a purging of the secrets we allowed to define us. It stops after this; I won’t allow my abuse to take over my life anymore and prove to Nikolaos how much he’s loved.

My eyes go lower, taking in his scars and how it now makes sense that he’s covered his body with tattoos. He was hiding his shame and turning it into power by looking more intimidating.

I mean, it worked - everyone fears him, and for good reason. He’s not just an Alpha but a Lycan Alpha.

Kissing his bearded cheek, I slip out of bed and head to the bathroom