She ran her fingers lightly beneath my shirt, her touch both tender and searching. I smiled down at her and kissed the bridge of her nose before helping her pull the shirt off. Tossing it aside, I immediately drew her back into my arms, our lips meeting once more.
Being this close to her was overwhelming. It felt like drowning — but in the best way.
I held her tightly, resting my forehead against hers. My wolf stirred inside me, content and grounded in the bond we shared.
“You’re mine,” Judy whispered, her eyes fierce even as they shimmered with emotion.
“And I’m yours,” I replied, my voice rough with honesty. “Your man… your mate… the father of our child. Your protector.”
But then she placed a hand against my chest, stopping me from speaking further. When I looked at her face, her eyes were brimming with tears.
“Promise you’ll always be there to protect me and our baby?” she asked softly, her voice trembling.
The raw vulnerability in her plea nearly broke me. I wanted to wrap her in my arms forever, shielding her from everything that could hurt her.
“On my life,” I whispered, closing my eyes as I pressed my forehead against hers. “I will always protect you, Judy.”
Relief softened her features, and she kissed me again. This time the kiss wasn’t just affection — it was a promise, a commitment. A trust that took my breath away.
We held each other in that quiet moment, unwilling to let go, as though the world outside could wait just a little longer.
But the moment didn’t last.
My phone buzzed insistently on the bedside table. With a low growl of frustration, I reached for it, keeping my other arm wrapped securely around Judy. She only nestled closer, a small, content smile tugging at her lips. I kissed her forehead before answering.
“This better be good,” I muttered.
“Levi is attending an auction in neutral territory bordering ours,” Taylor reported briskly. “Windleton.”
I stiffened. Neutral territories were rare — protected by Elite Garima forces to ensure safety from rogues and other creatures. They were often used for education or business dealings, but Levi’s presence there unsettled me.
“Why would he come all this way just for an auction?” I asked.
“Because of what’s being auctioned,” Taylor said quietly. “The Moon Gem.”
My blood ran cold. I sat upright so fast that Judy frowned at me, confusion etched across her face.
“The Moon Gem belongs to my mother,” I said through gritted teeth. “It’s a family heirloom. Why in the hell would she put it up for auction?”