Page 78 of Beastkin

“I think,” I said with a breathless laugh, “we just desecrated our childhood fort.”

Karrick’s rumbling chuckle vibrated through his chest. “Worth it,” he said, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Best Christmas ever.”

I snuggled closer, listening to the steady beat of his heart beneath my ear. Outside our shelter, the snow continued to fall, adding another layer to the white blanket covering the forest. It was peaceful, perfect.

“We should probably get back,” I murmured reluctantly. “Your mom’s dinner...”

“Five more minutes,” he said, echoing my earlier words. His massive hand stroked my back in soothing circles. “I just want to hold you a little longer.”

I smiled against his chest, perfectly content to stay wrapped in his warmth. “I love you,” I whispered, the words feeling inadequate to express the depth of emotion flowing through our bond.

“I love you too, pup,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion. “More than I’ll ever be able to tell you.”

We lay there in comfortable silence, surrounded by the remnants of our childhood and the promise of our future. The wooden phoenixsat on its stone perch, watching over us like a guardian of our memories, both lost and found.

At last, I was home.