36. Chapter 36

Chapter 36

-Naomi-

B ringing Reese to my house felt incredibly overwhelming, but as we stepped inside, the soft hum of activity greeted us.

“Um, there’s something I didn’t tell you,” I confessed.

He looked at me, puzzled.

“A few days ago, I found my mother in the kitchen, cooking,” I explained.

“And?” he prompted.

“She’s usually bedridden, but ever since she caught wind of you and me... well, after she sensed your scent on me, she’s been different, and I don’t know why,” I admitted, noticing the perplexed expression on his face. Before he could ask any questions, my mother appeared.

“Oh, you’re here!” she exclaimed.

Approaching us, she didn’t reach for Reese’s hand, leaving the Alpha to initiate contact. To my surprise, Reese extended his hand, and my mother shook it.

“Claire,” she introduced herself.

“I know, I remember you and your mate,” he replied.

My mother seemed to swell with pride before ushering us along.

“I have food for you two,” she revealed.

“But you didn’t know I was bringing Reese,” I pointed out.

“I made extra in hopes you would.”

I rolled my eyes slightly, but Reese appeared content as he set his bag down and headed straight for the small table. Watching my mother heap a plate with food for him, I felt a sense of serenity wash over me, as if a dream were coming true. When I lingered in the doorway, my mother gestured for me to join them. I sat down beside Reese, and my mother joined us, diving into conversation with a newfound vigor. She spoke freely, about everything and nothing. She even bombarded Reese with questions, though he barely had a chance to speak. It was as if all those years of her silence were melting away as she rediscovered herself. I wasn’t sure why my bond with Reese seemed to lift her spirits, but I wasn’t complaining.

After dinner, she volunteered to help clean up, allowing me to show Reese around. Though we lacked a spare room, I was certain Reese intended to share a bed with me. Nerves fluttered in my stomach as I opened the door to reveal our humble accommodations. Reese set his bag down again, but as I began explaining the layout, he suddenly pulled me into his embrace, spinning me around.

“Kiss me,” he whispered huskily, kicking the door shut with his foot.

“W-What?” I stammered.

“Kiss me. Right now, little mate. Show me you want me too.”

My cheeks flushed, his flirtatious tone sending a jolt of nervous excitement through me. However, my wolf seemed to hear his command, seizing control and propelling me forward. Our lips met in a tender kiss, which Reese swiftly deepened, his tongue intertwining with mine. I moaned into the kiss as he lifted me off the ground, carrying me over to the bed. Settling me down gently, he hovered above me, teasing me with his presence, before he kissed me again, the intensity making me melt beneath him.

“Reese,” I breathed as he trailed kisses down my neck, his hands deftly working to remove my dress and reveal my covered breasts. He seemed ravenous for touch, and I yielded to his advances, allowing him to peel the garment away. His lips traced over my skin until he reached my bra. Slipping his hand underneath, he cupped both breasts, and I bit down on my lip to stifle a scream at the overwhelming sensation. It was utterly intoxicating. Every touch, every caress, sent shivers of pleasure through me. When his lips closed around my nipple, I let out a deep, guttural moan, my body igniting with warmth as desire pooled between my legs.

“I can hardly control myself around you,” he confessed, his tongue flicking over the sensitive nub.

“I...” I began, lost for words amidst the overwhelming sensations.

“I’m not usually like this, but you drive me mad with need,” he whispered huskily, moving to give the other breast the same tantalizing treatment.

“I truly believe we should see what a night together can do for us,” he murmured, sucking a little harder before releasing me.

I gasped, allowing my head to sink into the pillow.

“I think it could change everything,” he remarked.

“A-Are you certain you want everything to change?” I challenged, noticing him lift his head. Despite his attempt to meet my gaze, his attention remained fixated on my breasts.

He leisurely toyed with the sensitive skin and nipple, eliciting pleasurable shivers from me.

“I just know I can’t get enough of you,” he confessed.

“I-I’m not convinced that spending a night together is the right approach.”

“Why not? What if it brings us clarity?” he countered.

“And what if it doesn’t?” I retorted.

“Then I suppose we’ll remain in this limbo, needing each other but unable to determine if we’re truly meant to be mates.”

“I’m not sure I want that,” I admitted.

He tilted his head slightly, a furrow forming on his brow. I grabbed his hands, finding them distracting and disruptive to my thoughts.

“I don’t want to spend a night with you only for you to decide afterward that you don’t actually want me,” I explained.

“I don’t think—”

“But it’s a possibility. We’re different, our statuses are different. You seem to align better with Rosa. Perhaps your bond with her, your similarities, would overshadow everything.”

“Being with Rosa lately is draining me,” he confessed, shocking me with his candor.

“What?”

“I don’t know why, but she doesn’t evoke the same feelings in me that you do. Everything I used to enjoy with her feels... wrong. Yet, when I’m with you, I feel better,” he admitted, revealing a vulnerable side of himself. However, his gaze kept returning to my breasts, filled with hunger. “You just have to be in front of me, and I want you.”

I gulped, feeling the heat rising within me, altering my breathing and silently offering myself up. Reese leaned in once more, ready to continue, but I instinctively covered myself with my arm. He growled in frustration, clearly displeased with being interrupted. A small smile tugged at my lips as I met his gaze.

“I’m afraid to risk it,” I confessed.

“Why?” he inquired.

I sighed, tilting my head back slightly before meeting his gaze again.

“I’ve been in love with you for too long,” I whispered, watching his eyes widen in shock.

“What?”

“You didn’t notice me, but I noticed you,” I admitted, laying my heart bare. “I knew you would never see me, so I harbored my feelings in secret. Even when you disappeared for years... my feelings remained unchanged. I’ve never looked at anyone else or desired their touch.”

He seemed momentarily perplexed, then realization dawned upon him. Rising up on his hands, he hovered above me, searching my eyes for clarity.

“Have you saved yourself for me, little wolf?” he inquired, his voice deep and sultry.

“Not exactly,” I replied, noting the displeasure in his eyes. “I simply didn’t desire anyone else.”

“Isn’t that the same?”

I shook my head. “It wasn’t a deliberate choice, just a lack of attraction toward others.”

He sighed, understanding my perspective.

“I can’t risk everything only to be shattered by your decision in the end,” I explained.

“What if my decision was you?” he countered.

“You know I can’t be.”

“What if you could?”

“Reese, please...” I whispered.

“No, what if this isn’t what we think it is,” he suggested.

“What do you mean?” I inquired.

“What if my wolf made a mistake?”

“A mistake?” I echoed.

“What if it’s not about having two mates, but about finding the right one?”

“I’m not following.”

He let his head hang, as if unsure of his own words. I watched him, waiting for clarity. After a moment of contemplation, he refocused on me.

“What if Rosa is the wrong one, and you’re the one I’m meant to be with?”