On her other side, Lucien had shifted in his sleep and she ended up in the middle. His body was turned slightly away, but his small hand was wrapped around hers with such gentle possessiveness that her smile widened in the quiet morning air. His fingers were delicate, warm, and trusting, and even in sleep he held on as if he feared she might disappear the moment he let go.
Alina lay still for a moment, letting the softness of the scene sink deep into her chest. Their tiny breaths brushed her skin. They looked so adorable she almost didn't dare move, afraid to break the perfect sleepy cocoon they had created around her.
She lifted her free hand and gently brushed Sable's hair back, smiling when he nuzzled closer with a sleepy hum. Then she turned slightly to look at Lucien, his long eyelashes resting on his cheeks, his tiny hand holding hers as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
A warm softness spread through her entire chest.
