The one where it all goes to shit...again!

~ Nikolai ~

The moment Bella roused from her sleep, I knew and came awake.

I lay trying to gauge her mood and reaction before speaking up.

Last night had been monumental. For me, and even more so for her.

I'd understood what it meant fully to be her mate all along.

I'd relished it, enjoyed it, waited for it. But she couldn't have understood how deep our connection goes.

This morning, it would all be coming to her in a storm.

She needed time to work her way through it herself without me interrupting.

I could literally hear her mind spinning. Then came a small sound that shocked me.

Clear as day, I'd heard her. She'd moaned. That meant she still wanted me, clear as day.

I smiled ever so slightly, keeping my face hidden from her so she couldn't tell I was awake.

I half expected her to climb on top of me and straddle me but instead, she just laid very still.

'What was she thinking now?' I wondered. 'Maybe I should let her know I was awake?'

Just as I was about to turn, I felt her shift s