~37~

"I have to leave" Bruce whispered, his lips hovering over mine. I didn't want him to leave, not yet. This moment with him is the only time I've felt happy

"Please" I mumbled, it's a risk I'm willing to take if it means I can be happy in this moment. A selfish wish of mine.

"I can't stay"

The desperation in my plea must have resonated with him because a flicker of hope ignited in his eyes. He cupped my face in his hands, his touch both comforting and grounding.

"Just a little longer, then," he conceded, a hint of a smile gracing his lips.

Relief washed over me, sweet and unexpected. It wouldn't last, I knew that. But for now, in the quiet sanctuary of our stolen moment, I held onto the fragile flicker of happiness, savoring the warmth of Bruce's touch.

Rays of sunlight filtered the room with warm light, the diamond stud earring twinkling in the morning light. I turned to face Bruce still deep in sleep, eyebrows  furrowed over whatever dreams plague him. He stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent before burrowing deeper into the pillow.

The diamond stud earring glinted on the nightstand beside me, a silent reminder of the events of last night. I sighed and started to quietly get out of bed when a hand pulled me back and snaked around my waist, pulling me back against a warm chest.

Bruce’s eyes fluttered open, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"Leaving so soon?" his voice rumbled, a hint of sleep still clinging to the edges.

"I have to, the cafe won't run itself" I giggled and the alpha grumbled some choice words

"Ten more minutes" he grumbled, sleep still evident in his tone his arms coiling tightly around my waist. I wanted nothing more than to lay in bed with Bruce, ignorant of the dangers and absence of normalcy. But ignoring that changes nothing, better to face it now than hold out until disaster strikes.

I pried his hands away from me and strolled to the bathroom, ignoring his groans and hoping to prepare myself for another stressful day

~~

Lucas and Bruce stood at the kitchen island, a plate of food each before them. Lucas looked between Bruce and I, confusion laced his features.

"I didn't know he'd be here" I explained to the confused beta. He looked between us for a beat and shrugged, digging into his plate of food

The tension in the room was thick. Lucas, the silly but ever-observant beta, clearly sensed something was amiss.

"Is everything alright?" Lucas finally asked, his voice cautious.

"Not exactly, Ace is acting like the son of a bitch he is" Bruce fumed.

The weight of the situation settled heavily on the room. Lucas glanced at Bruce, his mouth opening and closing as if wanting to say something. He finally spoke, his voice tight. " Has anything been heard from Kyle?"

Bruce rubbed his chin, the sigh that escaped his lips laced with exhaustion. "Nothing in weeks, Lucas."

Lucas nodded slowly, but his foot tapped a frantic rhythm against the floor, a stark contrast to his forced calmness. He may have exchanged barbs with Kyle on countless occasions, their rivalry as legendary as it was irritating, but beneath the surface, a grudging respect had blossomed into a hesitant camaraderie. Lucas wouldn't admit it out loud, not even to himself, but Kyle's absence gnawed at him, a constant source of unease.

"I'm sure he's fine, wherever he is" I tried to offer some comfort to Lucas but he didn't seem to take my word for it. This has been draining on all of us, so it's acceptable that Lucas wouldn't believe me

"Yeah, sure I'm going to get the car ready" he faltered and quietly left, his demeanor no longer as lively as it was.

Bruce turned to me and placed a soft kiss on my head, his hands softly cupping my face. I placed my hand over his and leaned into him, the scent of honey and whiskey intoxicating me.

"You have to go, I know" I murmured, my heart filled with despair at the thought of him leaving. Bruce sensed my sadness and wanted to comfort me but I stopped him. I slowly shook my head and looked up at him, forcing a smile. I need to be strong, for both of us. He needs to focus on dealing with his brother without worrying about me

"You deal with Ace, I'll be fine"

Bruce's brow furrowed, searching my eyes. He understood the unspoken plea in my voice. Needing him to focus on his warring brother, I projected strength, the strength he needed on both fronts.

A/N

Hello muffins ✨

See you in the next chapter 💞🦋