A light, startled sound slipped from her when Derek lifted her up, but she simply wrapped her arms more tightly around his neck.

She tilted her head to one side, shutting her eyes as she nuzzled into his touch, his large, warm hands in her hair and against her skin. The gentleness of him did not hide the strength of him.

"Mm, yes," Hild sighed. Eyes still shut, she brought her head forward, her lips finding his in a slow, sweet kiss. "Yes, I crave you."