34. Chapter 34

Chapter 34

-Naomi-

S eeing Rosa approach Reese, flaunting her power over him, left me feeling unworthy and hurt. She seemed absolutely perfect, and despite being mates with Reese, I couldn’t help but feel inadequate compared to her. I had to escape from that situation, so I left the house, seeking solace in my own bed. It reminded me too much of my mother, who had also retreated to find some semblance of peace amidst her struggles.

The next day, I returned to the house hoping to follow my usual routine. Thomas found me as I cleaned up the game room, which had been left in disarray by yesterday’s occupants. He brought a simple breakfast, and we settled on some high stools, surveying the mess I still needed to tackle.

“Sometimes I wonder if they ever appreciate how the rooms stay so clean,” he teased, eliciting a chuckle from me.

“I think they believe in housekeeping fairies,” I replied with a smile.

We shared a laugh, enjoying the well-made breakfast sandwiches together.

“So, I heard you spent the day with the Alpha yesterday,” Thomas commented, and I sighed.

“Most of it. Then Rosa showed up, and he had to attend to her,” I explained.

“You sound quite bitter,” he teased gently, earning a sad smile from me.

“I can’t measure up to him, Thomas. Even though we’re mates, I’ll always feel lacking.”

“I bet you’re not the first to feel that way,” he mused.

I looked at him, puzzled by his statement.

“People from different social statuses have mated before, and they likely harbored similar thoughts,” he clarified.

“Maybe.”

“But then again, I wouldn’t be too upset if you decided to call it quits,” he admitted sheepishly.

His honesty made me smile, and I turned to him, knowing his feelings for me. We would make a good match, our statuses aligning, and I liked Thomas. However, as I imagined a future with him, the vision seemed dull, lacking in passion and significance.

“I’m still trying to figure it all out,” I explained.

“No, I understand. I’m just saying.”

I nodded, reaching out to touch his free hand. He squeezed mine before hopping off his chair, shrugging slightly.

“Anyway, I have my own duties. Do you need any help here?” he inquired.

“No, I think I can manage,” I assured him.

He smiled at me before walking away. I finished the last of my food and then proceeded to clean up the mess in front of me. Returning to my old routine brought a sense of calm, without any unexpected disruptions. However, as I finished, I entered the kitchen to assist with breakfast for the rest of the pack. Unfortunately, I arrived too late to help prepare the food, so I settled for washing up. Two female wolves passed by, their voices low, but I caught their conversation clearly.

“Have you seen Alpha Reese?” one of them inquired.

“Yeah, he seems to be completely deteriorating,” the other replied.

I stared after them, perplexed by their words. He seemed fine yesterday. Why was he suddenly looking so bad that he appeared to be ‘deteriorating’, as they had put it? Intrigued by the thought, I decided to investigate further after I had finished cleaning up. I made my way to the next floor, noticing that the office door was wide open, indicating that no one was inside. Continuing toward Reese’s bedroom, I hesitated, fearing Rosa might be there.

Stopping in the hallway, I turned around, only to let out a little scream as I collided with a solid body. Stumbling back, I looked up into eyes that seemed lost and desperate.

“R-Reese,” I stammered.

As I took another step back, I could see him clearly. While his clothes appeared perfectly fine, clinging to his powerful frame, it was the expression on his face that betrayed his true state. Something seemed to have drained the life out of him overnight.

“I... just came up to rest a little,” he whispered, his voice as broken as he looked.

“Um, I see,” I responded, unsure of how to react to his sudden appearance and obvious distress.

He kept his gaze fixed on me as I lingered near the threshold of his bedroom. I took a step aside, assuming that was his silent request. Instead, he continued to watch me, his eyes strangely devoid of emotion.

“Reese, are you okay?” I asked, concern evident in my voice.

“I don’t want to go in there,” he confessed.

“Then why not choose the other room you slept in?”

He glanced toward the room he had occupied earlier when I brought him breakfast. With a nod that seemed almost robotic, he stumbled away, his hand finding support against the wall. I told myself I should return to my tasks, but it didn’t feel right to leave Reese in this state. I needed to uncover what had suddenly afflicted him.

I trailed behind him as he entered the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. Watching him collapse onto the bed, his groans hinting at pain, I hesitated in the doorway, unsure of my next move.

“Can... I bring you something?” I offered tentatively.

He patted the empty space beside him, a gesture I couldn’t quite decipher.

“Thirsty?” I ventured, seeking clarification.

“Here,” he murmured, patting the spot once more.

Approaching cautiously, I closed the door partially before joining him.

“Sit,” he commanded, his voice soft yet authoritative.

Complying instinctively, I perched on the edge of the bed, surprised by his vulnerability. As he inched closer, seeking solace, I found myself enveloped in his embrace. His head rested in my lap, his arms encircling me, and he nuzzled into my side.

“Um,” I began, but he let out a groan, signaling for silence.

Stunned into stillness, I sat there with him, feeling the tension slowly ebb from his body. A sense of tranquility enveloped him, and unsure of what else to do, I gingerly reached out, running my fingers through his hair. The sound of relief that escaped him tugged at my heart, as if my touch was the only balm for his agony. He trembled beneath my touch before gradually relaxing, exhaling a sigh of calm.

“Reese?” I whispered softly.

“Shh.”

Nodding in understanding, I continued to offer him comfort. I noticed that whenever I paused, he would reach for my hand, silently urging me to continue stroking him. So, I sat there for almost half an hour, gently petting him, until his breathing gradually evened out and he began to drift off to sleep. Thinking it was time for me to leave, I began to withdraw, but his arms tightened around me, pulling me closer.

“Reese, I have my duties today,” I reminded him, attempting to gently extricate myself from his grasp.

He shook his head against me, his hold becoming firmer. Despite my efforts to free myself, I found myself ensnared by his strength.

“Really, Reese, the others will be furious,” I insisted, but he remained resolute, drawing me into bed and covering us both with the blanket. His large Alpha frame enveloped me, his face nestled in the crook of my neck as he inhaled deeply, as if savoring my scent. Though I relished the sensation of being close to him, I knew I couldn’t linger indefinitely.

“Reese, I need to go,” I murmured, attempting to shift his weight off me.

He growled in protest, pressing all his weight onto me. Though it felt somewhat suffocating, I didn’t entirely mind. He seized my arms, urging me to wrap them around him so that I could continue running my hands through his hair. Despite knowing I shouldn’t indulge, I couldn’t resist the temptation and began to caress his body once more. He released a long, shaky exhale, gradually relaxing on top of me.

“Why are you feeling so bad today?” I inquired softly, concerned for his well-being.

He shook his head against me, unwilling to speak.

“Reese?”

“Just stay,” he murmured, his voice laden with vulnerability.

“I don’t think I can leave with you on top of me,” I teased lightly, attempting to lighten the mood.

He groaned softly, unable to summon a laugh at that moment.

“Are you hurt?” I pressed further.

“Not physically.”

“Then that’s a relief,” I sighed softly.

“Just don’t go anywhere,” he pleaded, his grip tightening ever so slightly.