"Ms. Tibarn, you're awake." That voice—deep, husky, rough with morning—broke through her dreams. Emma blinked into the dim light. The first thing she saw was Marcus leaning over her. Her brain kicked into high gear. "Marcus? What are you doing here?" Something brushed against her leg under the blanket. Her body went rigid. His skin was cool against hers—cool and bare. "I'm waiting for you to get up, Ms. Tibarn." That low rasp of his voice dragged across her skin like smoke and sandpaper. Before she could react, he moved and rolled over her in one smooth motion, pinning her beneath him. His silver hair slipped forward, soft strands falling across her face and brushing her cheek. One arm braced beside her head. The other lifted, slow and deliberate, sweeping a few loose strands of hair from her neck. His fingertips barely grazed her skin, tracing a line that made her pulse skip. His body was cold, but somehow the chill burned against her heat. Right now, Marcus didn't look like a man. He looked like a wolf—starving, reckless, and dangerous. You've got to be kidding me. This can't be happening right now. Emma pressed her hands to his chest, trying to push him back. The movement only made it worse. His knee slid between her legs, the shift dragging the blanket higher, her breath catching in her throat. "Marcus, you—" Her voice wavered. "Ms. Tibarn, can you feel it?" His gaze sharpened. Marcus tightened his legs around hers, the pressure making it impossible to move. The cold of his skin met her warmth, and then she felt it. Her breath caught. The realization hit like a lightning bolt. He was cold everywhere except there. The heat pressed against her was searing, solid, and far too real. The hard outline against her body pulsed, demanding attention."Marcus—" Her voice came out broken, caught between shock and disbelief. Oh my god... is he serious? Is the heat period really this intense? Her mind raced as her heartbeat refused to settle. He leaned closer, watching her expression with careful eyes. "Are you satisfied, Ms. Tibarn?" He looked so serious, as if this were some kind of scientific assessment. He thought, She looks that surprised… that has to mean she's satisfied, right? I mean, sure, I can't match Edric in size, but quality-wise? I've got to be holding my own. Emma nearly rolled her eyes. He's seriously testing me right now. Does he honestly think this is how bonding's supposed to work? "Marcus, get off me first." Her fingers clenched against his chest, feeling the hard thump beneath her palm. She could tell he was deep in heat period, and a knot of worry twisted in her stomach. If he loses control now, I'm in real trouble. "Ms. Tibarn, you haven't answered me." Marcus stayed locked on her face, searching for any sign of approval.Her patience snapped. "If I answer, will you move?" He nodded. Her jaw dropped. "You crawled into my bed, naked, first thing in the morning—just to ask me that?" "Yes." His voice stayed calm, as if it were the most logical thing in the world. "I thought you might not like it. I wanted you to preview it." Preview… what? Who the hell teaches him this stuff? Her mind blanked. Emma shoved him back, her patience snapping. "Get dressed and out now." She could practically feel her sanity unraveling—way too much stimulation before breakfast. "Ms. Tibarn, you're not satisfied?" Marcus remained still, lying there with a blanket draped over him, pale hair flowing onto the pillow. His eyes appeared gentle, carrying a quiet, wounded expression that could soften even the toughest steel. Don't look at me like that. I'm not falling for this. Not this time, Emma growled to herself. She drew a deep breath, forcing calm. "I'm satisfied. Now put your clothes on."The words flew out fast. She grabbed a fresh outfit from her storage band and dressed faster than she thought humanly possible. Only Marcus would have the nerve to pull something like this. Half-dead yesterday, bold enough to sneak into her bed today. Somehow, she'd ended up half-undressed too. By the time she turned back, Marcus had already begun dressing, moving at a slow, untroubled pace. She crossed her arms. "Didn't you promise not to get into my bed?" At the manor, he'd been all discipline and slept on the floor without complaint. Marcus finished buttoning his shirt. "That was the manor. This is a rest pod. Different bed. Different rule." Emma stared at him. He's actually using legal loopholes on me. Her face flushed with heat as she considered what Marcus had just done. She warned sharply, "Next time, if I am in that bed, you must stay out—no exceptions." He hesitated for a beat, then nodded. "Alright." The thought flickered through his mind like a quiet spark. So if she's in my bed, that's fair game. Emma had no idea what he was plotting. She hurriedly washed up, ran a hand through her hair, and opened the door—only to see Edric and Corvin standing outside, like two soldiers on inspection. Corvin had Cotton Candy cradled in his arms. The moment the tiny creature saw her, it squeaked excitedly, leapt from his arms, and dove directly into hers. Emma caught it effortlessly. The little furball wriggled and pressed its face against her neck, thinking, Finally! She smells so good! I've been waiting forever! Corvin grinned. "Emma, you're finally up! Breakfast's ready—I'll bring it in." He tilted his head toward Marcus. "Marcus said he was going to wake you, but man, he sure took his time." He gave a look that practically screamed, "Alright, out with it—what exactly was that guy up to in there?"