Chapter 0377

"Not yet." I whisper, fighting the deep ache building within me.

His lips travel to the mark he left earlier. His teeth graze the sensitive skin as a low growl vibrates from his chest. One hand slides down to my thighs. He uses his leg to gently part mine from behind. His finger traces a slow line across my core.

"Is that so?" He murmurs, his finger beginning slow circles around my clit.

I nod, biting back a moan.

He withdraws his finger abruptly. Spinning me around to face him, he pulls me tightly against his body. The water has rinsed away most of the blood, leaving only a few specks on his chin. I wipe them away gently. He lifts me effortlessly, pressing my back against the cool tiles. A gasp escapes me. The cold surface is a relief against my overheated skin.

"Feeling warm?" His crimson eyes hold mine intently.

I nod again. It's more than just warmth. An internal fire is igniting, burning me from the inside. Sweat trickles down my spine. The steaming water makes my skin feel too tight. It's been too long since I last felt this sensation.

"No. No. No." I push Alexander back, quickly turning the shower dial to the coldest setting. I position myself directly under the freezing stream, trying to regain control. He watches my struggle with amusement.

'Yes. Yes. Yes.' Nyx chants happily in my mind.

"This can't be happening now!" I say aloud. Alexander grins widely. Nyx informs me our body is preparing for another pup. "Athena..." His grin remains. "You can't stop this."

"I know. How did you know?"

"I could scent the change." He steps under the icy water with me. His muscles tense from the cold. "You can fight it, but you won't win. You know that. You'll only delay the inevitable." He tucks my wet hair behind my ears.

His crimson eyes seem to see into my soul as he leans in. His hand reaches out, turning the water off. The fire inside me flares instantly. The persistent ache settles heavily within. Resistance is futile.

Two days. At least it was shorter than the first time. My body still aches. My core throbs.

Alexander traces gentle circles around my navel with his fingertips. He pauses, turning my face toward his. "You're quiet."

"Tired." I whisper. "And sore."

"Roll over." He instructs, moving to his knees.

"Why?"

"Just roll over."

I flip onto my stomach. He straddles my thighs, pinning me gently to the bed. His hands glide along my back. His fingers press into my muscles, working out the developed knots. It feels incredibly good. I sink deeper into the mattress as my body relaxes.

"Before you ask, Victoria and Sebastian have the boys. They've had them for the last two days." He informs me.

I nod into the pillow as his magical hands continue their work.

"Has Zachary been monitoring the situation?" My voice is muffled by the pillow.

"Yes. Sebastian too."

"Nothing's happened?"

"Not that I'm aware of. I instructed them to link me for anything critical. Otherwise, they have it handled."

"Something feels off." I murmur.

His hands still on my lower back. I try to shift, but his legs hold me securely. "Can't you just enjoy this moment?!" He teases. "It's... It's a gut feeling."

"I know. You're not the only one who thinks things are too calm after recent events."

"Why didn't you say anything?" I wriggle out from under him. He finds this amusing.

"Because I wasn't letting my mate go out there while in raging heat. You're also supposed to maintain a low profile. For now, you stay here with me. Zachary and Sebastian have everything under control. Whatever is happening can be tomorrow's problem."

I slump back onto the pillows. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me close. I close my eyes. I hear him groan. My eyes snap open. His eyes are glazed over. I glance at the clock. It's past midnight. Guess today's problems are already beginning.