Goodbyes

Denera

As I stirred awake, the warm morning sunlight gently caressing my face, I became acutely aware of Rockan's strong, protective embrace. His steady heartbeat and the familiar scent of pine and earth enveloped me, filling me with a sense of profound comfort and security.

Reluctantly, I tried to shift my position, but Rockan's arm tightened around me, refusing to let me go. A content smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I nuzzled deeper into his chest, savoring this rare moment of tranquility.

Our lives were often consumed by the demands of the pack, and his constant disappearance to perform his duties to keep the entire kingdom. But here, in the privacy of our shared room, it was just the two of us.

Gently, I traced the strong planes of Rockan's face, marveling at the softness that had replaced his usual stern expression. His eyes fluttered open, and I was met with the familiar amber gaze that had captivated me from the moment we first met.

"Good morning, little mate," he mu