Page 35 of Toward Immortal Ruin

“In here.”

Eden timidly stepped through the doorway, and her eyes went wide.

Large sunroof windows were slanted across the cathedral ceiling, peeking out into the starry night sky. White walls, complementing all white comforters and sheets, called to the minimalist in him. A collection of sketches, eight in total, were perfectly aligned on the south wall, directly above the dresser.

The color was matched by other pale green accents: the ceiling, a few throw pillows, and a blanket that’d been draped haphazardly across a chaise in the corner. It was the same color as Eden’s eyes.

A stunning shade, they had haunted him since he’d seen them in Key’s vision centuries ago. Having her in his most personal space was almost more than he could ask for. Trying to cover his sudden unsteadiness, Nero picked up the remote.

“The skylights close with this button, and the lights turn off with this one. I’ll check the bathroom to make sure it isn’t a mess.”

“You aren’t staying?” Eden trailed off, looking uncertain. A blast of discomfort churned in her emotions, followed quickly by, “Isn’t this your room?”

“Yes, but—”

“I’m not kicking you out, Nero. It’s a king-size bed, with plenty of room for two. I mean—if you don’t mind sharing.”

One moment he was standing several feet away from her, and the next, his palm was wrapping around the back of her neck to drag her lips to his. This kiss was light and friendly, so different from what they’d shared only an hour ago.

“I’d love to share, professor. But I have to warn you; I’m a cuddler.”

“I like cuddling.”

“It’s a deal then. Please make yourself comfortable while I brush my teeth.”

Before he left, his palm gently cupped her cheek, his fingers threading through the thick coil of wild curls. He hoped the look he gave her spoke volumes and was relieved to feel the uncertainty that pooled in her emotional signature disappear.

By the time he’d returned, there was an Eden-sized shape beneath his comforter. Nero slid into the cool sheets behind her, noting her sharp intake of breath.

“Snuggler, remember?”

A giggle, muffled by the fabric, greeted him. “I don’t mind.”

That was a good thing, because Nero’s instincts were screamingmineand he didn’t have the heart to deny his panther any longer. The beast surged forward in his eyes as soon as Nero’s arm coiled around Eden’s waist, yearning to jump out of his skin and curl up beside her.

He gently tugged Eden’s light frame across the expanse of bedding between them and into the protective coil of his body. His mate fit perfectly, her curves complimenting his every rugged angle. Inhaling, he savored the sweet scent of peony that tickled his senses.

After she fell asleep beside him, he reached out through the mental links that connected him to his people. Each bond was briefly examined to ensure his people were content, happy, and healthy. Then he verified the security wards he’d place around his territory were unbreeched and functioning. Earlier today, a blip along one ward had been cause for concern, but when Zia had checked it out, she hadn’t found anything out of place.

Nero’s duty was to protect the hundreds of people who counted on him, and he considered it his honor to do so. For the first time in his long life as a sovereign, he made a place in his heart for something more important than his responsibilities to his clan: the woman in his arms.

It was a monumental shift, but he had full confidence it was the right step to take. Their mating bond would cement it into place. His wait was finally over.

Once more, he stole a leisurely inhale to enjoy the sweetness of her aroma, and went to sleep.

***

By the time Eden’s sleep-ruffled bed head appeared downstairs the next morning, Nero had been up working for hours. Already, he’d had two telepathic meetings with potential clan members, and before that, he had troubleshooted a housing issue with Zia.

Reclining in his chaise lounge, he instantly brightened when she entered the room. “I slept like the dead,” came her still-drowsy greeting. “I think I could get used to your cuddles, Nero.”

“I like the sound of that cuddle part. Can I get you some coffee? Some fruit?”

“Not just yet, thank you. I’ll let myself wake up a bit more.”

Rubbing her eyes, Eden’s yawn preceded a series of stretches before she collapsed onto one of the couches and closed her eyes. Content to have her near, Nero returned his attention to something Remmus had sent over.

A photo of a wolf in Chicago had begun circulating on the internet. While it was incredibly blurry, it was still photographic evidence of theCitizens’actions. That spelled trouble for immortals. Remmus had been scouring the net for additional insight, but he’d had little luck so far other than one questionable news source that’d run the article.

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