Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Chapter 259

A soft, warm pressure envelops me, cocooning me in a familiar scent that seeps through my skin and calms the raging fire burning beneath. Alec.

His chest is pressed to my back, his arm wrapped around my waist, holding me close. The slow, soothing stroke of his thumb against my skin sends a shiver down my spine. Even now, half asleep, my body aches for him, the need twisting and coiling in my gut like a living thing.

My eyes flutter open, and the first thing I see is his hand resting against my stomach, his tanned skin contrasting with mine. His fingers are long, strong, and calloused—a warrior's hands, but so tender right now.

"Morning, beautiful," he whispers, his lips brushing against my temple. His morning voice is low, rough, and it sends another pulse of heat through me.

I can't speak. My throat is tight, my heart tangled in a mess of longing and confusion. His gentleness is a balm and a torment all at once. Alec shifts, his chest rising and falling against my back, and I can feel the tension in his muscles.

"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice soft, as though he already knows the answer.

I nod, swallowing hard. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Alec's hand moves, brushing a loose strand of hair away from my face. His eyes search mine, too intense, too warm. "You don't have to lie to me, Sadie," he murmurs, his thumb grazing the corner of my mouth.

I want to lean into his touch, let him take away the ache and the fire burning beneath my skin, but the hurt from last night lingers like a bruise. I force myself to look away, blinking back the sting of tears.

Alec sighs, the sound heavy with things left unsaid. "I'll get you some breakfast.”

I lay back in bed, fighting the aching need inside me. I use the noise in the kitchen as a distraction to keep my mind from everything that has been happening since yesterday.

noise in the kitchen when the noise stops and I hear

carrying a tray balanced on one hand, his eyes fixed on me as though he's afraid I might shatter.

his thigh brushing against mine, and holds the cup to my lips when my hands tremble too much to hold it myself. The tea is warm, soothing as it slides down

as his eyes darken slightly. I part my lips, my tongue darting out to lick the spot he

he murmurs, his hand cupping my cheek, his thumb stroking

my eyes against the intensity of his gaze, forcing

least I get something in my stomach

have to thank me," he

my throat

like I'm falling apart." I

his expression softening. He doesn't say anything,

arms, where I cling to him

he detangles from me after a while and then picks up the dishes and

sag against the pillow. Now I understand clearly what Nyx meant This is torture. Alec being close eases things a bit, but it

"Nyx," I call her.

sounds as exhausted as I

holding up? How are

me a wolfish smile. "Like, shit, but Knox