The mattress dipped with his weight, and Dakota automatically shifted toward him, seeking warmth with unconscious instinct.
Kade let her come, let her curl against his side, one of her hands coming to rest on his chest as she settled back into deep sleep.
His arm came around her automatically, holding her secure, his hand splayed across her back in a gesture that was protective and possessive in equal measure.
This was right.
This was how it was supposed to be, his mate in his bed, in his territory, safe and claimed and his.
Whatever chaos awaited them when dawn fully broke, whatever complications came from this claiming, Kade would handle it.
Because Dakota was his now.
And he protected what was his with ruthlessness.
His eyes closed, exhaustion finally catching up to him as well.
The adrenaline that had sustained him through the claiming and the drive home was fading, leaving behind the bone-deep tiredness that demanded rest.
