Chapter 469

Dawn's first light crept through the curtains as Luna White opened her eyes. A golden sunbeam slanted across the bed where Andrew Smith's arm still lay heavily around her waist, his warm breath brushing her bare shoulder.

She shifted slightly, wincing at the soreness in her lower back. Memories of the previous night flooded back, heating her cheeks.

"Awake?" His gravelly voice vibrated against her ear as he tightened his embrace, his stubble grazing her hair before he pressed a kiss to her shoulder.

Luna ducked her chin. "Stop it..."

"Still hurting?" His fingers traced the faint bruise at her waist.

She shook her head, then nodded. "Better than last night." Though her supernatural ability could heal it instantly, she secretly cherished this sweet ache.

Andrew suddenly rolled over, caging her beneath him, forehead touching hers. "Happy wedding, Mrs. Smith."

"Colonel Smith, you're fully responsible for me now." She poked his chest with a laugh.

Their morning intimacy quickly turned passionate. By the time Andrew carried her to the bathroom, the wall clock showed 9:30.

"This is your fault!" Flushed, Luna pushed him out. "Your parents must know everything..."

When she finally descended the stairs properly dressed, unfamiliar voices drifted from the living room. Aunt Clara hovered at the staircase, hesitating. "Dr. White... your father is here."

Luna froze, her sweater collar caught mid-adjustment. Slowly pulling it into place, her fingertips turned icy.

Sean Shaw? How dare he come to the Smith residence?

(Cliffhanger: Why has Sean Shaw suddenly appeared? How will Luna confront this unexpected "father"?)