ADELE'S POV

I jerked awake with a gasp, my whole body snapping upright like I’d been yanked out of deep water.

My heart was pounding so hard it hurt. My chest rose and fell too fast, breath burning my throat as if I’d been running. Heat clung to me, slick and uncomfortable, my skin damp, my limbs heavy.

For one wild, stupid second, I looked around, expecting him.

Lucien.

Kneeling between my legs. His hands. His mouth. His voice in my ear calling me mate.

But the room was still.

Silent.

Empty.

No sign of Lucien.

Just morning light creeping in through the windows and the echo of a dream...