We’re both lost in the moment, and nothing else exists.

The pressure builds, and the fire burns brighter. It’s like the magic outside, only a thousand times stronger. I’m spiraling out of control, and the only thing keeping me grounded is Damien’s touch.

“Jade,” he groans, his voice a ragged whisper.

“Yes,” I breathe.

It’s the only word I can manage, but it’s enough.

We fall over the edge together, and the world explodes.

I’ve never felt anything like it. The magic, the power, the sheer pleasure. It’s a hurricane of sensation, and all I can do is surrender to it. My entire body is pulsing, throbbing, as the orgasm keeps rolling through me. It’s the most intense experience of my life, and I never want it to end.

But eventually, the waves of pleasure recede, and the world slowly comes back into focus.

I’m sprawled on the bed, and Damien is still between my legs, his breathing harsh. His head is pressed against my shoulder, and his hair tickles my cheek.

“Holy shit,” I murmur, my voice hoarse.

“Yeah,” he agrees. “That was… something else.”

I let out a breathless laugh. “Yeah, that’s one way to put it.”

We lay there, tangled together, neither of us speaking. The only sound is our breathing and the steady thump-thump of my heart. It’s almost too intimate, but I can’t bring myself to move. Not yet.

Because I’m afraid that when I do, I’ll come to my senses and realize what a colossal mistake this was.

Chapter 17 - Damien

Waking up with Jade tangled in my sheets is… surreal. But in a good way, like that fleeting moment before reality kicks you in the teeth. Her body is warm against mine, and the soft rise and fall of her chest brushes against my skin. The way she fits here, curled up like she’s always belonged, it makes my heart pound harder than I’m willing to admit.

I’m a damn alpha, and this—waking up with the woman who drives me out of my mind—is somehow the most exhilarating thing I’ve felt in years.

Her brown hair spills across the pillow, and her lips are slightly parted as she breathes evenly. I could get used to this. Hell, I want to get used to this.

My arm is still wrapped around her waist, and for a minute, I just lay here, letting the moment stretch. I’m not stupid. I know as soon as I get out of this bed, the world will come crashing in, reminding me that this peace, this quiet, is temporary. But right now? Right now, I’m just a guy lying next to a woman I can’t seem to stay away from, pretending that the weight of the pack doesn’t rest on my shoulders.

I let my hand trail over her bare skin, tracing lazy circles along her back. She shifts, mumbling something incoherent as she presses closer. I feel her body mold into mine, and damn if it doesn’t take every ounce of willpower not to pull her under me and start this morning off the same way last night ended.

But I can’t. Not yet.

“Morning,” I murmur against her hair, inhaling the scent of her. It’s a mix of something floral and wild, and it hits me in all the right ways.

She stirs, blinking her eyes open slowly, and her voice comes out groggy. “Morning. You’re… still here.” There’s a little surprise in her tone, like she half-expected me to bolt the second the sun came up. Can’t say I blame her. Old me probably would’ve done just that.

“Of course I’m still here.” I brush a strand of hair from her face. “Where else would I be?”

Her lips quirk up into the tiniest of smiles, and for a second, I think everything will be fine. But then I hear it—the faint buzz of my phone vibrating on the nightstand. The sound pulls me back to reality like a goddamn slap to the face.

I ignore it. Whatever it is can wait.

But the buzzing doesn’t stop. It keeps going, persistent as hell, and the knot in my stomach tightens. Something’s wrong. No one calls me this early unless there’s trouble. Big trouble.

Jade glances at the phone, then back at me, with one eyebrow raised. “Aren’t you going to get that?”

“I don’t want to.” I press a kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a moment longer than I should. “But I probably should.”

I reach for the phone and glance at the screen. According to the caller ID, it’s coming from East Hills. That knot in my gut pulls tighter, and I know before I even answer that this isn’t going to be good news.