Chapter 42: This Is Forever

[Dove]

I awoke to an empty bed.

Feeling the dent on my bed, Cole's warmth kissed my fingers. I realized that he had only just left. Probably to catch up on the preparations for tomorrow, I thought, feeling lonely without his presence.

Instinctively, I reached to the back of my neck and felt - nothing.

A comforting smile spread across my lips. I managed to stop him.

Then, I pulled my knees up, covered my face in them and broke down into tears.

I want him to mark me. I want him as my mate. He's my mate, my mind screamed desperately. Why do I have such a sad life? I keep forming dreams only to have them shattered by my own hands.

Someone knocked softly at my door. Hastily, I sniffed hard and wiped away anything that would betray my vulnerability, then I answered the second knocking.

Claire entered with my breakfast. She raised her hand to above her head, placed the tray on the bed and then pointed at the steaming beef broth.

Cole told me to cook this for you, she signed.