33. Chapter 33

Chapter 33

-Reese-

I empathized with Naomi’s concerns, especially as she vividly depicted someone else being with her before me. The possessive feelings surged within me, and I couldn’t quell the urge to dominate her. Pressing her firmly against the tree, I felt her pulse quicken beneath my hand. Despite her vulnerability, my desire intensified, fueled by the intoxicating scent of her arousal.

“Don’t toy with my instincts, little wolf,” I warned, my voice low and intense. “You won’t like the consequences if you do.”

“I-I was just making a point,” she defended, her eyes flashing with defiance.

“It doesn’t matter. Just the thought of it makes me want to claim you against this tree before the others find us,” I growled.

Her gaze mirrored a faint yellow hue, indicating her wolf’s interest in the primal encounter as well. Her scent grew even sweeter, tempting and enticing. Without thinking, I sank to my knees, my hand sliding beneath her dress. She quickly seized my wrists, a mixture of surprise and apprehension in her eyes.

“Not here!” she hissed urgently.

“So, if I take you somewhere private, I can have you?” I pressed, my voice laced with desire.

Her eyes widened, but before she could respond, voices called my name. I knew our companions would soon return, interrupting our forbidden moment. Reluctantly, I tore my gaze away from her, the ache between her legs calling to me. Rising to my feet, I reached out, placing my hands on her neck.

“Say you want me too,” I urged, my voice pleading.

She blinked rapidly, hesitation evident in her expression.

“Just say it, and I’ll show you how deep our connection truly is,” I insisted.

“You’re the one who accused me of witchcraft!”

“I admit my mistake. But I can’t deny the power of this attraction,” I confessed. “I don’t care if our wolves choose to mate. I believe they should, and so should we.”

She continued blinking rapidly, but the crunching sound drew closer. I turned, noticing the group watching us with knowing smiles, understanding why we had lingered behind. Naomi averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing beneath my touch.

“Don’t worry, we didn’t get lost,” I reassured them, eliciting laughter as they walked away once more.

Turning to Naomi, I found her still avoiding my gaze. Gently, I took her hand, silently urging her to accompany me. Though she didn’t resist, I knew I needed an answer from her before proceeding. I wouldn’t push further until she agreed.

We carried on with our duties, checking in with the pack and offering assistance to those in need. The tasks flowed smoothly, granting me a deeper understanding of what it meant to be an Alpha. While I recognized there was still much to learn, I began to feel more empowered and suited to the role.

Upon returning to the house, someone sought me out, prompting me to release Naomi’s hand, which I had been holding throughout. Rosa approached, her heels clicking against the floor. Yet, the warm sensation she once stirred within me seemed absent. Now, there was only a sense of detachment. Though I could acknowledge her beauty, it didn’t evoke the same pull as before. Naomi, on the other hand, held an inexplicable allure that transcended physical appearance.

“I see you’re hard at work,” Rosa remarked, her gaze briefly flickering toward Naomi.

I glanced at Naomi, but she remained silent, avoiding our gazes. With a quiet excuse, she slipped away, leaving me with an overwhelming urge to follow her. However, my father’s words echoed in my mind once more. I needed to learn to balance my time. Rosa reached for my hand, pulling my attention back to her.

“I feel like we’re already spending so little time together,” she said softly.

“I’m sorry, I have a lot to catch up on,” I responded, a pang of guilt tugging at me.

“No, I understand. And with a second mate, it doesn’t make it any easier,” she acknowledged, surprising me with her openness. She had struggled with this in the beginning, but now she seemed remarkably accepting.

“It doesn’t, no.”

“And I found you out of bed this morning,” she continued, her tone gentle.

“Sorry about that. I couldn’t sleep,” I admitted, feeling a flush of embarrassment.

“You seem to be having a lot of restless nights lately.”

“Yeah, it’s... it’s difficult.”

She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around my neck, but her touch felt cold to me now. Why was this happening? Should Naomi and my bond really overshadow what was happening between Rosa and me?

“Come to bed later,” she urged softly.

“I... I don’t know,” I hesitated, torn between conflicting emotions.

“Please, I need you too,” she pleaded, leaning in to softly kiss me.

I shivered slightly against her, not because the kiss was unpleasant, but because I felt overwhelmed with frustration, unsure of which path to choose. Even my wolf seemed to urge me to seek out Naomi. However, Rosa pulled back, her eyes searching mine.

“Please,” she whispered, her vulnerability tugging at my heartstrings.

I sighed, feeling torn. “All right, I’ll stay in bed tonight.” I relented, knowing I had to alleviate her worry, even though it meant sacrificing my own desires.