_Lyla's POV_
Aaron didn’t return until late in the evening. I had been waiting for him, pacing the room as the hours stretched on. Every time I heard a sound outside, my heart leaped, hoping it was him. When the door finally opened, and I saw his familiar figure step inside, a rush of relief washed over me.
“You’re back,” I breathed, taking a step toward him.
Aaron smiled as he closed the door behind him. His brown hair was slightly tousled, and there was a hint of exhaustion in his eyes, but the warmth in his gaze made my heart flutter. “I told you I wouldn’t be gone long, darling.”
I crossed my arms, pretending to be annoyed. “You said you would be back by the afternoon. It’s already night time.”
Aaron chuckled as he shrugged off his jacket. “I didn’t realize my mate was keeping tra
