Noelle's POV
I blink open my eyes, momentarily disoriented by my location . The soft fabric of Thorne's shirt brushes against my cheek, the steady warmth of his body pressed against mine. The faint scent of him—clean, familiar, and grounding—lingers in the small space.
When my vision clears, I find myself staring directly into Thorne's blue eyes. He's already looking at me, a quiet amusement flickering in them.
"When did you get here?" I mumble, nuzzling deeper into his arms, refusing to fully wake up just yet.
His hold tightens around me, arms strong, secure. There is no place in the world safer than this, wrapped in the quiet strength of my mate. His sheer physical power has always been something undeniable, but when he holds me like this, I feel none of its weight—only the gentleness he reserves for me.
"Just a couple of minutes ago," he murmurs, his voice low and soothing, as if afraid to disturb the moment.
