The morning after the wedding did not begin with the blare of a tactical alarm or the sharp, terrifying scent of ozone and blood. It began with the soft, melodic chirping of a forest sparrow perched on the windowsill of the master bedroom.
I woke up slowly, floating up from the deepest, most restful sleep I had experienced in over a year. I kept my eyes closed for a long moment, simply luxuriating in the sensation of safety. The heavy, down-filled duvet was pulled up to my shoulders, trapping the incredible warmth of the man sleeping beside me.
I shifted slightly, and immediately, a massive, heavy arm tightened around my waist, pulling my back flush against a broad, bare chest.
"You're awake," a deep, gravelly voice rumbled right against my ear, sending a pleasant shiver down my
