Draven.
The pale gold of dawn slipped past the curtains, brushing across the edge of our bed.
I had been awake for several minutes now, but the woman beside me still clung so stubbornly to sleep.
I leaned on my elbow, studying her. Her hair was spread like a dark halo across the pillow, her breathing was even, and her lips parted in a way that tempted me to forget the morning entirely.
But no, I won't let it. Meredith had made me promise to shape her into more than just my mate—into a leader. And leaders did not hide under sheets when the day called.
So, I bent close, my voice low against her ear. "Wake up, Queen Meredith. It's time."
A groan escaped her lips, then she stirred, frowning without opening her eyes. "Time for what?"
I smiled faintly. "Your morning run."
Her violet eyes cracked open then, disbelief flashing across her face. "You were serious about that?"
