Aaron
The morning arrives too quickly than I had hoped for.
I wake before dawn with Penelope still curled against my side.
Her breathing is deep and even and for a moment, I just lie there.
I memorize the feel of her, the warmth of her skin, the weight of her head on my chest, the way her fingers are loosely curled against my ribs even in sleep.
I don't want to leave. Hell, I don't want to ever leave her side.The thought hits me with unexpected force, settling heavy in my chest.
But Crystal Lake needs me, my pack needs their Alpha and as much as I wish I could stay in this moment forever, reality doesn't work that way.
I ease myself out of bed carefully, trying not to wake her, but her eyes flutter open anyway.
"You're leaving," she says.
It's not a question.
"I have to," I repl
