Chapter 20 - Alysa

Sunlight streamed through the hotel room's sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the plush bedding where Alysa stirred awake.

The remnants of last night's passion lingered in the air, a warm memory clinging to her like a delicate perfume. She blinked against the brightness, her heart fluttering as the events of the evening rushed back—a whirlwind of laughter, stolen kisses, and promises whispered in the dark.

She brushed her fingers through her tousled hair, a smile creeping onto her lips. There was a peace within her, an excitement thrumming just beneath the surface.

Glancing around the room, she took in the luxurious surroundings that felt both intimate and surreal. The faint scent of Cassius’s cologne mixed with the morning air, stirring a familiar warmth in her chest.

This was it, wasn’t it? She was really here with him.

Alysa’s gaze landed on Cassius, his golden hair tousled, and the strong lines of his jaw softened in sleep. He looked so serene, a stark contrast to the powerful Alpha he was during the day. Her heart swelled. He had become everything she never knew she needed.

How did I get so lucky?

The thought echoed in her mind, a whisper of disbelief mixed with hope. There was something different about Cassius—a depth in his eyes, a strength in his presence—that made her feel safe, cherished.

As she sat up, the sheets slid off her body, revealing her bare skin to the cool air. A shiver raced down her spine, yet the warmth of anticipation quickly replaced it.

What would today hold?

She bit her lip, glancing back at Cassius. Their evening together had changed something deep inside her. It was more than physical; it felt as if they had laid the groundwork for something sacred. And yet, there was still that lingering thrill, that little tingle of nerves dancing at the edge of her consciousness.

A soft groan escaped Cassius, and his eyes fluttered open, revealing a sleepy blue that sent a rush of affection coursing through her. He blinked a few times, his expression shifting from confusion to that lazy, pleased smile that made her heart race.

“Morning, beautiful,” he murmured, stretching like a lion. “Did you sleep well?”

“Better than I have in ages,” she replied, her voice soft but steady. “Last night was…” Words failed her, but she hoped the blush on her cheeks conveyed the rest.

Amazing!

His smile widened, and Alysa felt her insides flutter. Cassius propped himself up on one elbow, his gaze serious yet gentle.

“Alysa, there’s something I need to say.” Her heart raced as she prepared herself, the weight of his words hanging in the air between them.

His blue eyes searched hers, and she could see the weight of his words. “Will you be my mate?”

The question hung in the air, and her heart swelled. His words resonated deep within her, promising a future she had dared to hope for.

Taking a deep breath, Cassius continued, “I don’t want to just call you my mate in name. I want it to mean something. I want you to be my mate in heart and soul.”

His voice was a mixture of confidence and vulnerability, something that set him apart from the Alpha she knew. “You’ve brought light into my life and Aurora’s. I promise to cherish and protect you, to build a life together as a family.”

Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes, and she shook her head in disbelief, feeling overwhelmed by the depth of his sincerity.

This was really happening.

“Cassius, I…” She paused, emotions swirling within her like a tempest. “I love you. I’ve loved you for so long. I can’t imagine a future without you and Aurora. Yes, yes! I want to be your mate!”

His eyes lit up, a mixture of relief and joy dancing across his face. “You really mean it?”

“More than anything,” she affirmed, feeling a weight lift off her chest.

Finally.

Cassius pulled her into a tight embrace, his warmth enveloping her like a cocoon. “You won’t regret it, I promise.” He kissed her, and it felt like a pact sealed with the universe. When they pulled away, Alysa's heart was still racing, the gravity of their commitment settling in.

Once the moment passed, they both exchanged mischievous glances, and Alysa chuckled softly. “We should call Aleksander and tell him.”

Cassius groaned playfully, but there was an undeniable glint of excitement in his eyes. “Fine, but be prepared for his teasing.”

Alysa grabbed her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she dialed her brother. The moment he picked up, she could hear the sleepy bemusement in his voice. “Alysa? What’s going on?”

“We have news,” she announced, a grin spreading across her face as Cassius leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear.

“Yeah? Spill it!” Aleksander’s curiosity was palpable.

“We’re mates now,” Alysa interjected, her heart racing with anticipation.

There was a beat of silence on the line before Aleksander erupted into laughter. “No way! You two finally made it official?”

“Yeah, it’s true,” Cassius said, his voice steady but tinged with humor. “You’re going to have to get used to your new family.”

Aleksander burst into laughter. “Wow, look at you, big guy! You finally claimed my sister, huh?”

Alysa’s laughter mixed with Cassius’s as they shared a knowing glance, their joy palpable. “Yes, he did. Now it’s your turn; when will you get a mate?”

“It’s about time, don’t you think?” Cassius chimed in, nudging Alysa playfully. “Maybe then he’ll stop being a grumpy Alpha all the time.”

Aleksander feigned outrage. “Hey! I’ll have you know I’m not grumpy; I’m just naturally intense.”

“Right,” Cassius replied, his tone teasing. “Intensely in love with yourself.”

The playful banter continued, their light-heartedness enveloping the conversation like a warm blanket. It felt liberating to share this news with Aleksander, a piece of their joy interwoven with his playful jabs.

As the call ended, Alysa felt lighter. The teasing and laughter were moments she would cherish, knowing that they had officially begun this journey together.

They spent their last day at the hotel doing everything they could to soak up each precious moment. They wandered through the charming streets, exploring the local cafes, their fingers entwined as they laughed over shared pastries.

Cassius insisted on treating her to everything, and she felt a flush of warmth every time he glanced at her with that soft, adoring gaze.

In the afternoon, they found a quiet spot in the park, where they lounged under a shady tree, Cassius’s arm draped casually over her shoulders. The world felt like it had faded away, leaving just the two of them in their bubble of happiness.

“Do you think Aurora will love the stories I tell her?” Alysa asked Cassius, who was looking at her with a spark of mischief in his eyes.

Cassius laughed, resting his head against her shoulder. “Of course! She’ll be the most well-read child in the Annex Pack. I can’t wait to see her grow up,” he mused, his voice taking on a softer tone. “To share everything with you both.”

She nodded, feeling a swell of emotions as they talked about their dreams. The connection between them deepened, not just as lovers but as partners ready to navigate the complexities of life together.

When night fell, they returned to their hotel room, the air charged with anticipation. Cassius looked at her, his gaze smoldering, and Alysa felt a rush of heat surge through her.

Tonight would be special, another step deeper into their bond.

“I want to take the lead tonight,” she whispered, her voice low, almost shy. It was a challenge, and the thrill of it sent a shiver down her spine.

Cassius raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “You sure about that?”

“Absolutely.”

“I want to remember every moment,” he murmured, brushing his lips against her forehead.

“Me too,” she replied, her heart racing at the thought of their intimacy.

That night, a naked Alysa sported a wicked grin as she turned to face him, kneeling on the plush carpet.

Cassius lay before her, a mixture of trust and tension in his muscular form. His wrists were bound to the bedframe, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as if daring her to take control.

This was uncharted territory for Alysa. She’d never been the one in charge before. But something inside her—the thrill of dominance—surged forward, fueled by the knowledge that Cassius had willingly given her the reins.

I can do this.

She could feel the power coursing through her, the excitement of being in control.

Kneeling before him, she marveled at the sight of him, strong and muscular, with an undeniable hunger in his eyes.

Her fingers grazed his chest, slow and deliberate, savoring the taut ripple of muscles beneath her touch. His breath hitched as she moved lower, eyes darkening with desire.

She had never seen him this vulnerable, and it sent a jolt of power through her. Alysa’s heart raced, nerves dancing in her stomach, but excitement drowned them out. She could feel the heat pooling between her thighs, her body reacting to the sheer intimacy of having Cassius at her mercy.

“I’m going to take my time,” she whispered, her voice soft yet commanding. Cassius’s blue eyes met hers, a flicker of surprise there. She was never this assertive, but tonight was different.

Without breaking eye contact, Alysa positioned herself between his legs, her hands tracing the firm line of his abdomen. His muscles tensed beneath her touch, and she could feel the growing hardness straining against his pants. She unfastened them slowly, the metal of his zipper making a soft, satisfying rasp that sent a thrill down her spine.

Cassius exhaled sharply as she freed his erection, thick and already throbbing with need. Alysa wrapped her hand around the base, the weight of him heavy in her palm.

He was enormous—more than she could ever fully take—but the thought only excited her further. She leaned in, her lips brushing against the tip of his cock, and she reveled in the gasp that escaped his lips.

Her lips parted, and she lowered her mouth, swirling her tongue around the head in a slow, deliberate motion.

This is mine. He is mine.

Alysa took him into her mouth, swirling her tongue around the head, teasing him slowly, enjoying the way his body responded to her every move. She could feel her own arousal pooling between her thighs, the heat building as she focused on giving him pleasure.

Cassius groaned, his hips shifting instinctively, but the bindings held him in place. The raw desire in his voice ignited something primal in Alysa.

She took him deeper, inch by inch, her mouth stretching around his girth as her hand pumped what her mouth couldn’t reach. The sound of his ragged breathing spurred her on—each moan a reward for her efforts.

“Fuck, Alysa,” Cassius groaned, his voice thick with desire. “That feels so good.”

Her confidence grew, and she slid him deeper, working her mouth and hands in rhythm, letting her instincts guide her. She loved the way he filled her, loved the taste of him as she bobbed her head, the tension between them palpable. She was in control, and it felt exhilarating.

He’s completely at my mercy.

Her free hand slid up his thigh, nails dragging lightly over his skin, sending shivers through his body. She set a rhythm, bobbing her head as her hand squeezed and twisted at the base, and Cassius’s restrained groans only grew louder.

He was close, she could tell. The way his body tensed, the way his hips jerked involuntarily—it was all building to a crescendo. But Alysa wasn’t ready to let him go just yet.

Pulling back, she released him with a soft pop, his cock glistening with her saliva. Cassius’s chest heaved, his eyes glazed over with lust. The need in his expression made her stomach clench with arousal, but she maintained control, brushing her thumb over the head of his cock, teasing.

“Alysa…” Cassius’s warning voice was strained, his jaw clenched in frustration. He pulled against the restraints.

I’m not done.

Ignoring his plea, Alysa dipped her head again, taking him deeper than before. Her throat tightened around him as she moved faster, her hand working in tandem with her mouth.

The pressure building between her own thighs was almost unbearable, but she pushed it aside, focusing entirely on the man tied helplessly to the bed beneath her.

Just when his body began to tense, his muscles coiling with the anticipation of release, Alysa felt his hands break free from the restraints. Their roles shifted in an instant, his dominant presence filling the space.

“Not so fast,” he growled, his voice a deep rumble that sent a shiver of excitement down her spine.

In a flash, he was no longer at her mercy. Cassius moved with feral speed, flipping her onto her back with ease, his hands pinning her wrists above her head.

“You’ve had your turn,” he whispered, pulling her to him. His blue eyes glinted with primal desire, a mixture of hunger and something deeper, something that sent shivers coursing through her.

His gaze was wild, a mixture of lust and hunger that made her heart race. Alysa’s breath hitched as he leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. “Now, it’s mine.”

Cassius leaned in, his breath warm against her neck as he whispered, “You think you can take control, huh?”

Alysa met his gaze, her heart pounding with exhilaration.

I like this.

She relished the intensity of his hold on her. “I was just getting started,” she shot back playfully, her confidence bubbling up despite the overwhelming surge of his dominance.

Cassius chuckled darkly, the sound wrapping around her like a spell. “Let’s see how you handle it when I’m in charge.” The shift in his tone sent a thrill through her, igniting a fire that burned brighter with each passing second.

Cassius didn’t waste time. His hands were everywhere—gripping her hips, pulling her to the edge of the bed as he positioned himself between her legs.

Before she could fully comprehend the shift, he was inside her, filling her in one swift, powerful thrust.

Alysa gasped, her body arching off the bed as he set a punishing pace. The sensation of him so deep inside her sent shockwaves of pleasure radiating through her body.

“You’re incredible,” he murmured, brushing his fingers through her hair, and Alysa felt a warmth spread through her. She wanted to give in to the passion, to revel in the pleasure of their connection.

As he pressed against her, every inch of her body responded to his touch, igniting a desire that had been simmering beneath the surface. “Show me,” she urged, her voice barely above a whisper, filled with a mix of vulnerability and yearning.

She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer, needing more. Cassius obliged, his hips slamming into hers with brutal precision, each thrust harder than the last.

God, he feels incredible.

The room was filled with the sounds of their bodies slapping against each other, his guttural groans mixing with her breathless moans. Every inch of her skin felt alive, hypersensitive to his touch.

Cassius was relentless, driving into her with a raw intensity that left her gasping for air. Her vision blurred as the pressure built inside her, coiling tighter and tighter until she couldn’t hold back any longer.

Alysa shattered, her orgasm crashing over her in waves. She cried out, her entire body trembling as the pleasure consumed her.

But Cassius didn’t stop. He kept thrusting, chasing his own release as her inner muscles clenched around him, dragging him deeper into the abyss of sensation.

With one final, powerful thrust, Cassius came undone, his release filling her as his body tensed above her. He collapsed against her, their bodies slick with sweat, their breathing heavy and uneven.

Alysa’s mind was hazy, her body limp from the intensity of their lovemaking. She lifted a hand to rub his back slowly and then raked it through his blond hair. She could feel the steady rise and fall of Cassius’s chest against her own, his heartbeat gradually slowing.

That’s the best sex I have ever had in my life.

As the haze began to lift, Alysa’s thoughts drifted to what had just happened. For the first time, she had been in control, and the experience had been exhilarating. But it was the way Cassius had taken over, the way he had claimed her with such raw need, that left her breathless.

I love him.

There was no doubt in her mind.

Cassius brushed a strand of hair from her face, his blue eyes sparkling with affection. “I can’t believe how lucky I am,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Alysa smiled, her heart full. “Me too,” she replied softly. “I never thought I could have all I wanted.”

“Neither did I,” he admitted, his fingers tracing patterns on her skin. “But now that I have you, I can’t imagine my life any other way.”

The words settled around them, a promise that echoed in the stillness of the room. Alysa snuggled closer, feeling the warmth of his body enveloping her like a protective shield.