Chapter 15

The fire crackled low in the corner of the room, its warmth reaching out to fill the space. Althea sat stiffly on the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her dress as the weight of Kaden’s gaze pressed down on her. He stood a few feet away, arms crossed over his broad chest, his silver eyes locked on her with an intensity that made her breath catch. She knew this moment was inevitable,knew it from the second Kaden had claimed her as his mate. And yet, nothing could have prepared her for the way her body reacted to him, the way her skin burned when he looked at her like that, like she was the only thing that mattered. “You’re quiet again,” Kaden said, his voice low and smooth as he stepped closer. Althea’s head snapped up, her cheeks flushing. “What am I supposed to say?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Kaden smirked faintly, his head tilting as he studied her. “Anything,” he said. “Tell me what you’re thinking.” Althea hesitated, her chest tightening. “I’m t