Valta awoke with Gregor's body pressed against hers. His arm was heavy on her waist, his fingers spread possessively on the firm surface of her abdomen, his thumb tracing the lower part of one of her breasts in slow, unconscious circles.

She moved just enough to shatter the illusion of intimacy. Gregor stirred immediately, his eyes opening heavily before sharpening as he realized where he was and who lay beside him.

"My Alpha," he snored, his voice rough and thick with sleep.

Valta turned her h