The warmth of Rhys's hand enveloped mine as we walked through the moonlit gardens of Storm Crest Pack. Three weeks had passed since that public kiss at the training grounds, and each day brought a new revelation about the man Rhys had become.
"What are you thinking about?" Rhys asked, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand.
I smiled up at him. "Just how different things are now."
His eyes softened in the moonlight, the Alpha mask dropping away completely. "Good different, I hope?"
"Very good different," I confirmed, squeezing his hand.
We stopped beside the small pond where lily pads floated peacefully on the surface. Rhys pulled me gently against his chest, wrapping his arms around me from behind. I leaned back into his warmth, allowing myself to enjoy the simple pleasure of being held by him.
"I never thought I'd have this," he murmured against my hair. "There were days I was certain I'd lost you forever."
"You almost did," I admitted quietly.
