Jericho's POV.
I almost let out a deep, guttural groan the second the anklet bells chimed.
I tilted my head to the side, eyes closing, and dragged in a slow breath that did nothing to settle the sudden, violent need ripping through me. The sound was soft, delicate, almost musical—tiny gold bells singing with every step she took. It echoed through the quiet dining room like a fucking siren call straight to my blood.
Fuck.
Giving her that anklet had been a mistake.
But after stalking or shall I say keeping an eye on my mate, she loves pretty jingling things like that.
Something that would announce her presence to me every time she moved. Something that would remind her, every second of the day, who she belonged to now.
Hearing it this morning nearly undid me.
My entire body vibrated with pure, raw need. The mate bond tightened under my skin like a living thing, clawing, demanding. I forced my eyes open just as she appeared at the top of the stairs.
And the world stopped.
