Prophecy

Chapter 23: Date

*Grace's POV*

As soon as my eyes fluttered open, I was in Heaven, not literally, but... in my heart and soul... I was totally there. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Xavia's arm was draped over me, holding me close, and I could feel her steady breath against my neck. It was the most comforting sensation in the world, like a warm blanket wrapped around my very soul. I shifted slightly, just enough to turn and look at her face.

Even in sleep, she looked so serene, her features relaxed and soft.

The way her dark hair fell in gentle waves around her face made her look like an angel.

My angel.

I couldn't help but smile, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. Nothing could ever compare to the immense blissful feeling of being held close by your mate. My love for this being is unmatched, and I can't wait for the right moment to tell Xavia exactly how I feel about her.

I reached up, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her cheek. Her skin was perfectly warm, and the touch sent actual shivers down my spine—more than one, too. I could spend eternity like this, just watching her, feeling her presence. She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open, and for a moment, our gazes locked. Those deep, beautiful silver eyes of hers, filled with a sleepy tenderness, always had a way of making me feel like the luckiest person alive.

"Good morning, beautiful," I whispered, barely audible, but I knew she'd hear it loud and clearly.

She smiled a soft, sleepy smile that made my heart skip a beat.

"Good morning," she replied, her voice husky with sleep. She tightened her arm around me, pulling me even closer if possible. "Did you sleep well?" My mate asked, finishing her thought.

"I did," I said as my fingers traced light patterns on her arm.

"Waking up next to you makes every morning perfect," she said. Her smile widened, and then she leaned in, gently kissing my forehead.

"You always know how to make me feel special," I commented truthfully.

"You are special," Xavia murmured, her voice filled with emotion and a hint of sleepiness. I was positive she'd actually fall asleep again soon.

I wanted to say it right then, to tell her exactly how much she meant to me, how deeply I loved her. But I held back; I needed to wait for the perfect moment, the right time to express everything in my heart. For now... Being in her arms, feeling her holding me, was more than enough. The world outside could wait. At this moment, it was just the two of us, our hearts beating in unison, our love an unbreakable bond. And I knew, with every fiber of my being, that I would cherish this feeling forever.

With Xavia's calm, soft snores filling our room, I remained in her arms. I couldn't help but think about how everything has come together so far. I wouldn't change it for the world, either. All the people who mattered to me were together, and it couldn't have been better, but...

When Rey's ex-husband barged into the restaurant and started yelling, I was distraught for my best friend's safety. I couldn't believe he was the way he was. She had never said anything about him, and I had never thought to ask. Then, here he was, all of a sudden, pointing a gun at her head.

I had never felt more terrified.

And...

I couldn't do anything—not one thing.

What if Xavia wasn't there? Would I have left Rey to defend herself against her violent ex-husband?

I didn't know, but one thing became clear...