# Chapter 53

Morning came softly, filtered sunlight warming the room where Arianna and Duncan lay tangled together. For the first time in months, Arianna woke without the immediate weight of crisis pressing down on her consciousness.

Duncan was already awake, watching her with an expression so tender it made her chest ache.

"How long have you been staring at me?" she asked, her voice still rough with sleep.

"Long enough to memorize every detail I missed during our separation." His fingers traced lazy patterns on her shoulder. "I forgot how peaceful you look when you sleep. How the worry lines disappear."

"I have worry lines now?"

"You're an Alpha....