Elena.

Reaching up, I cupped his face. His skin was scorching hot, normal for a werewolf, but it felt electric against my cool palms.

He had taken my advice from weeks ago and was growing out his beard. I was perpetually surprised by how quickly his hair grew, considering how long it took my brother to grow even the pathetic stubble he managed. Killian's wasn't overly thick yet, but it grew evenly along his jawline, accentuating his harsh angles.

I smiled, my thumbs tracing his cheekbones.

"I like your beard," I told him softly, giving him a loving smile.

I felt Killian’s chest purr— a literal rumble of satisfaction from...