35. Chapter 35

Chapter 35

-Reese-

I couldn’t comprehend why this had occurred. A night with Rosa had never unfolded like this. Not only did we attempt to share a bed, but we also tried to mate, yet I couldn’t reach climax. Something frustratingly held me back, and each attempt at mating only exacerbated the situation. It left an obvious tension in the room, rendering sleep impossible. It felt as though I belonged elsewhere. Despite feeling drained the next day, simply being in bed with Naomi provided solace. No food, water, or space seemed to offer relief except for her presence. I couldn’t bear the thought of her leaving, fearing I would unravel without her.

Naomi seemed to heed my unspoken plea, falling silent herself and offering only the soothing touch of her hand. In her presence, I experienced a sense of calm I had never known before. As I teetered between sleep and wakefulness, I gradually became aware of the warmth beneath me. Naomi’s scent enveloped me, offering comfort. I ran my hands down her body, nuzzling her neck and planting kisses on her skin.

“Reese,” she breathed, her voice filled with concern.

“You feel amazing,” I murmured, unable to resist the urge to express my admiration. “Why do you feel so good? You even make me feel better.”

“What happened to you?” she inquired, attempting to divert my attention. However, I continued my descent, trailing kisses along her collarbone, eager to explore further.

Sensing my intentions, Naomi reached out, cupping my cheeks and drawing my gaze to hers.

“Reese, you seemed unwell,” she observed. “What happened?”

Her concern touched me deeply, prompting me to respond, “I... I’m not entirely sure.”

“What do you mean?” she questioned.

“Rosa... she wanted my attention for the night,” I confessed, sensing the anger simmering in Naomi’s gaze before she averted her eyes.

“I see,” she responded quietly.

“I tried to give it to her, but it left us both feeling awful,” I admitted with a groan, resting my forehead against her chest and inhaling her scent deeply. “But you... you make me feel so good.”

“Yet, you can’t simply give all your attention to me. We both know that,” she countered softly.

“But I want to.”

“What?”

“I want to give you all my attention. You smell fantastic, feel incredible, and I love how caring and wonderful you are,” I confessed, my words pouring out in a torrent.

“Reese, I don’t think you know what you’re saying,” she chuckled softly, her fingers gently threading through my hair.

“Maybe not, but I’m not lying. You truly do make me feel better,” I acknowledged, pulling her close and reveling in her warmth.

She reached for me again, her touch soothing and comforting.

“Stay with me tonight,” I pleaded.

“What?”

“I want us to spend the night together, sleep in the same bed, just be close,” I confessed.

“Reese, I don’t think—” she began, but I interrupted her.

“Rosa had me last night. It’s only fair you have me tonight,” I asserted, meeting her gaze with determination. “Unless... Unless you don’t want me.”

I felt exposed, vulnerable, and uncomfortably weak, but the desperation for Naomi’s presence, even her touch, outweighed any discomfort. If she chose to reject me, I would have to accept it, but the thought left me feeling hollow.

“I... don’t know. My mom needs me,” she explained, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

“Then I’ll come to your house,” I declared.

Her eyes widened, almost fearful, and she began shaking her head in protest.

“Yes, either you come here or I go there,” I insisted firmly.

She sighed, letting her head fall as she contemplated the idea.

“My house isn’t really—”

“I don’t care,” I interrupted, determined to show her my unwavering resolve.

Her gaze met mine, and as she searched my eyes for answers, I could sense her slowly lowering her guard.

“Very well, but then you need to let me go now. I have duties,” she insisted.

Reluctantly, I acknowledged the necessity of her leaving. Though she felt too good beneath me, as if she belonged there, I knew I couldn’t keep her with me.

“Okay,” I conceded, lifting myself so she could slide away from beneath me.

She stood up, turning to look at me again, her expression tinged with nervousness as I settled back onto the bed.

“Come find me when you’re done,” I instructed.

“You’ll be in the office?”

“I don’t know. I feel completely drained,” I admitted, though being with Naomi had restored a bit of my strength.

“I’ll come search for you,” she agreed.

I smiled as I watched her leave, suddenly feeling much better at the thought of spending the entire night with her. However, I couldn’t shake the need to figure out what was happening to me. Was my wolf suddenly changing his mind regarding mates?

I was roused from my slumber late in the day by a gentle shaking. Blinking in confusion, I realized that the day had slipped away while I slept. Naomi looked down at me with a concerned expression.

“I was worried I wouldn’t be able to wake you,” she admitted.

I sat up, still feeling slightly groggy.

“Do you want to pack some stuff?” she asked.

“Pack?”

“You said you wanted to be at my house,” she reminded me.

“Right, yes, I still want to do that,” I assured her, rising from the bed and feeling much better. “Let’s meet downstairs.”

She nodded, and I headed to grab some essentials. As I entered my bedroom, I found Rosa sitting on the bed, absorbed in her phone. A smile brightened her face when she noticed me.

“Hey,” she greeted.

“Hey, listen,” I began, bracing myself for her reaction.

She straightened up, her expression turning serious. “What?”

“I need to go be with Naomi for the night,” I stated plainly.

Her complexion paled, and I understood the weight of my words. It was a difficult decision, but one I had to make.

“She deserves to have me this time,” I explained, trying to convey the necessity of my choice.

“I see,” she replied, her tone tinged with disappointment.

“Rosa, I know this is complicated, but I need to divide my time,” I continued, reaching out to her.

“You seem to have spent extra on her,” she accused, her arms crossing defensively.

“I’m trying to figure out what’s happening between us.”

She looked upset, her expression reflecting the turmoil of emotions swirling within her. I drew closer, gently kissing her cheek.

“I still love you,” I confessed, feeling her soften against me. “I just need to do this.”

She turned to me, her gaze filled with a mixture of pain and longing. But even as she reached for me, planting a kiss on my lips, I remained resolute in my decision. Pulling away gently, I grabbed a small bag to pack some extra clothes and a toothbrush. Kissing her on the top of her head once more, I bid her goodnight and made my way downstairs, where Naomi awaited with a sweet smile.

“Lead the way,” I said to her.

“You’re still sure?” she asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

“I’m certain,” I affirmed.