THE ASHEN COURT

ANIKA VALERION

The moment I saw him, the worst of the nightmare’s grip loosened.

Relief crashed through me so hard my eyes burned. The bond pulled taut, reaching for him with desperate need. Xander felt it too. I saw it in the way his expression changed the instant our eyes met. He moved carefully, crossing the room in a few long strides, and gently laid the sleeping infant on the cushioned chair near the hearth before turning fully to me.

I didn’t wait.

I rose from the bed and went straight into his arms. He caught me, holding me tightly against his chest as if he was...