Chapter 147

The morning had started with intentions of arriving at the office early, reviewing the evidence my team had been compiling against those responsible for the systematic destruction of Claire's reputation. But those plans crumbled the moment I woke to find my mate's warm body pressed against mine, her sleep-tousled hair spilling across the pillow like silk and her curves fitting perfectly against my side. The mating bond hummed between us, a constant reminder of what I'd always fight for no matter what. Having her back in my arms, in my bed, in my life without the shadow of false charges hanging over us—it was intoxicating in ways that made professional obligations seem distant and unimportant. "Good morning," she'd murmured against my chest, her voice soft with sleep and satisfaction from the night we'd spent reacquainting ourselves with every inch of each other's bodies. What followed had been anything but efficient preparation for the workday. Every touch led to another kiss, every ki