Chapter 0037

Alexander

She retreated into her shell again.

Hardly speaking.

When she did, it was only single words.

Yes.

No.

Or that infuriating phrase.

I'm fine.

She shut down completely.

I couldn't understand why.

I had only told her the truth.

Was the truth too painful for her?

In my office, Isabella stared me down.

"Are you certain you did nothing wrong?" she demanded.

"She was talking to me earlier. Now, nothing."

"I simply stated facts. I reminded her she sought this arrangement. She came to me. I told her I allow no one else to touch her."

"Why make a deal if she's already your mate?"

"She doesn't know that."

"You're an idiot!" She dropped into the chair angrily.

"Out of all your brides, why push away the one I actually like? Scratch that—the one who is literally your mate?"

"Enough, Isabella!"

I agree with her. Titan growled.

"I'm not trying to push her away," I snapped.

"You're doing an excellent job of it then!"

"You don't know why she's upset either," I reminded her.

"And watch your tone."

"I'm speaking to you as your sister, not your Alpha!" Isabella scowled.

"I bet even Titan thinks you're being foolish."

I gave her a warning look to back off.

"She isn't like us," Isabella said.

"She wasn't raised in our world. You're missing the point entirely."

"What point?"

"She wants to feel desired. She's not just upset. She's terrified."

"I would scent that level of fear."

"What if she's always afraid? Since before you met. What if that's why her scent seems unusual?"

"Thank you for your input. I'll handle it."

She rolled her eyes and left the office.

Just claim her. Titan muttered.

She is our mate. Claim her. Let her know you only agreed because she's ours.

Ignoring him, I went upstairs to check on Athena.

She pretended to sleep for so long last night, I expected her to still be in bed.

Instead, the shower was running.

I pushed the door open, keeping my eyes away from the shower to respect her privacy.

"Athena, I'll be out most of the day. You can stay here or go to the hospital with Isabella."

No answer.

I glanced over.

She wasn't in the shower.

She sat on the floor behind the bathtub.

Her bare knees pulled to her chest.

Head resting on them.

Eyes closed.

Lips slightly parted.

Asleep, genuinely this time.

She hadn't undressed fully before deciding to nap there.

Quietly, I turned off the shower.

I squeezed behind the tub and lifted her from the floor.

Her head fell back over my arm, exposing her neck.

The urge to mark her surged through me.

Claim her.

But I pushed it aside.

I laid her in bed.

It wouldn't be fair to do that while she slept.

As I moved away, Athena suddenly grabbed my hand.

"Stay," she whispered sleepily, tugging me toward her.

I kicked off my shoes and slid into bed behind her.

Pulling her back against my chest.

Trying to ignore how her naked body pressed against me.

After a moment, she shifted away.

I rolled onto my back, sighing.

Grateful for my self-control.

I left her to sleep.

Outside, I found Sebastian kicking a ball with his sons.

He took one look at my face and sent them to their grandparents.