Ronan lifted his head slightly and licked Riven's cheek once before settling back down.
Riven blinked and chuckled softly. "I guess I should've known you were clingy."
The room filled with warmth—not just from the physical heat of the alpha's body but from the slow burn of affection simmering between them. Riven's fingers stroked over Ronan's side absently, and Ronan's tail gave a soft wag in response. Riven pouted, this Alpha was stealing his move!
Riven knew, deep down, this man beside him was still hiding his desperation. Even if he was calm on the outside, the tension in his body betrayed the whirlwind underneath. And yet, Ronan was trying. Trying not to pressure him, trying to be patient, trying to earn his trust again. That meant something.
He scooted back just a little more, pressing himself firmly against the curve of Ronan's wolf body. "You know, I didn't think I'd come back here so soon."
Ronan flicked his ear in response but didn't move otherwise.
