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I pulled her close, the firelight decorating us, as she melted into me. Her hands wrapped around my biceps, like if she let go, I might disappear.

I wrapped my arms around her in response, pulling her deeper into my chest, letting her rest against me as I ran slow, easy circles over her back with my palm.

She smelled like firewood and blood, her scent still laced with adrenaline, but underneath it was her, that wild, untamed scent that had always belonged to me.

We stayed like that for a long time, neither of us speaking, both of us simply breathing. Finally, I felt her move slightly, the tension in her muscles giving way to softness.

I pressed my lips to the top of her head. “You’re tired.”

Lia sighed, her breath warm against my chest. “Yeah, I am.”

I huffed a quiet laugh. “Me too. Come on. Time for bed.”

I moved to stand, gathering her in my arms, being careful of her injuries. She made a noise of protest, squirming slightly in my grasp.

“Silas, I can walk?—”

I gave her a look, smirking slightly. “And yet, here you are, not walking.”

She made a face. “You don’t have to carry me.”

I didn’t respond. I didn’thaveto do anything, but I wanted to. I ignored her pout and stood, effortlessly lifting her against my chest.

Lia muttered a curse under her breath, wiggling half-heartedly. “I’m fine.”

I took a deep breath, and squeezed my arms around her just a little bit. “I know that, Lia.” I met her eyes, my voice lowering. “But you’re going to let me take care of you because it’s something I need to do.”

She went still and her green eyes shone with something deep and unspoken.

Then, finally, she sighed, resting her head on my shoulder. “Okay. But just this once.”

I smirked. “Sure.”

She snorted softly, but she didn’t fight me. Instead, she curled against me, her fingers brushing absently over my chest as I carried her toward our tent.

Inside, the air was warmer, the faint scent of pine and smoke clinging to the canvas. I set her down gently on the bedroll, pulling the blankets up over her before settling in beside her.

She immediately nestled into me, head on my shoulder, pressing her face into the crook of my neck, her body fitting against mine like it belonged there. I pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist, letting my fingers trace draw circles along the bare skin of her hip.

“Silas?” she murmured sleepily.

“Hm?”

She sighed, her breath warm on my throat. “I meant what I said: I love you.”

My heart ached.

I pressed a kiss against her hair and pulled her closer. “I love you too, my sweet mate.”

With a hum of contentment, her body relaxed completely, and within moments, her breathing evened out as she drifted into sleep. I stayed awake for a little while longer, listening to her heartbeat, feeling the steady rise and fall of her chest.

She had saved me. She’d saved Rowan and Varek too.

I would spend the rest of my life making sure sheneverregretted it.

CHAPTER27

Lia