Chapter 13

“Karen, keep it down. Not everyone knows yet,” I whispered. She spun around to face Mom.

“You knew, didn’t you?” she accused Mom.

“Only Mom, Alpha, and now you know. I want to tell Dad and Bob, but I need to gather my thoughts first,” I explained. Karen simply nodded in understanding.

“So, you two are… together?” Karen asked, her eyebrows raised. I nodded in response.

“Yes, we are. But keep it under wraps for now,” I said, pressing my index finger to my lips in a hush gesture.

“Don’t get your hopes up. Gossip spreads like wildfire in a pack,” Karen warned.

After Mom dropped me off at home, I headed straight for the shower to prepare for Christopher’s arrival. I had enough time to apply makeup and style my hair. I slipped into a tight black dress and gold sandals.

Just as I finished getting ready, a text from Christopher popped up on my phone. He was waiting outside.

I descended the stairs and stepped out of the house. Christopher exited his car and walked around to open the door for me. His eyes swept over me, and he let out a sigh before speaking.

“You never cease to amaze me, Scarlett. You look stunning.”

“Thank you,” I replied, a smile playing on my lips as I slid into the car.

“I love your dress, but I can’t wait to see what’s underneath,” he said, sending a shiver down my spine and a blush to my cheeks.

“Another car? How many more do you have that I don’t know about?”

“Six more for you to discover,” he replied. Christopher then placed his hand on my leg, giving it a gentle squeeze. “How about we go to a Mediterranean restaurant? There’s a great one called Cristoffolini.”

“That sounds perfect,” I agreed, and we set off. We chatted about everything and anything during the drive. Upon arrival, a valet took the car, and Christopher escorted me inside.

The restaurant was elegant, with a piano bar. The musician was already playing, creating a cozy atmosphere. The room was decorated in shades of black, white, and red.

The wooden tables were adorned with white tablecloths and vases of fresh flowers. A hostess led us to a reserved room, and soon a waiter arrived to take our orders.

“I’ll have a shot of whiskey. Would you like some wine, dear?” Christopher asked, causing my cheeks to flush.

“I can’t,” I admitted, laughing. Christopher’s eyes widened in realization. “But I’ll have an orange juice.”

“I’ll take the octopus with potatoes,” he said, finalizing his order.

“Make that two,” I added, handing the menu back to the waiter with a smile.

As soon as the waiter left, Christopher reached across the table to take my hand, his thumb gently stroking my skin.

“I’m sorry, I forgot you can’t drink alcohol now,” Christopher apologized, a smile tugging at his lips.

“It’s okay, I almost forgot too.”

“Are you experiencing many symptoms yet?”

“Just morning sickness for now. I can’t even stomach croissants.”

This made him chuckle.

“Mathew came to see me at the hospital today,” I blurted out. Christopher’s eyes widened in surprise.

“He did what?” he growled. I closed my eyes briefly and sighed before responding.

“He was waiting for me when I got back from our meeting. He wanted a second chance, but I turned him down. It’s over for good,” I said calmly. I watched as Christopher’s tense muscles relaxed with each word I spoke.

We continued our dinner, and conversation flowed easily between us. It was incredible. Time seemed to fly by. He felt like an old friend I hadn’t seen in a while and needed to catch up with.

After dinner, we headed to his house. In the car, I ran my fingers through his hair, my thumb gently caressing his forehead.

“What’s wrong?” I asked. He sighed, removing my hand from his hair with one hand while the other remained on the steering wheel. He brought my hand to his lips and kissed my palm.

“Nothing for you to worry about, sweetheart. Just boring alpha business,” he reassured me, attempting a smile before refocusing on the road.

We arrived at his house, and it was strange how familiar it felt, even though I’d only been there twice. We made our way to his room, and as soon as the door closed, I felt his arms wrap around my waist from behind, pulling me into a hug.

Our bodies fit together perfectly, causing me to sigh contentedly. He lowered his face to my neck, peppering it with kisses before whispering in my ear.

“I’m starting to get used to this,” Christopher confessed. “Ever since our first kiss, I’ve only spent nights in this room with you.” His husky voice sent shivers down my spine and brought a smile to my face.

“It’s only been once, and now this time,” I said, turning to face him with a smile.

“But I want every night from now on,” he declared, still holding me close. I stood on my tiptoes to reach his lips. Christopher enveloped me in his arms, his tongue exploring my mouth. I felt a connection that went beyond the physical, and I couldn’t get enough of him.

His hands moved to my leg and my ass, and I quickly jumped up to wrap my legs around his waist. It was as if he could read my mind, knowing exactly what to do and when to do it. We were in sync.

He continued to kiss me, but I paused for a moment, our faces level with each other. I looked into his eyes, seeing my entire world reflected back at me.

He had entered my life so suddenly, and now he meant everything to me.

His gaze was filled with such intense adoration that it took my breath away. Christopher smiled before kissing me again and guiding me to the bed.

I felt the soft sheets against my back and Christopher’s body pressing into mine. I tugged at his shirt, craving his touch. I unbuckled his belt as he removed my dress.

My hands roamed his back, and when his kisses trailed down my neck, I dug my nails into his skin, feeling his muscles tense under my touch. He continued to kiss me, his fingers sliding down to my panties, pulling them off in one swift motion. He positioned himself between my legs.

My body was a symphony of sensations that I couldn’t put into words. It was a mix of chills, electric shocks, waves of pleasure—all of which left me in a daze when I was with him. When Christopher’s tongue danced around my sex, I lost all sense of reality.

His tongue moved in tantalizing circles, sucking and teasing me, while his hands journeyed up to cup one of my breasts.

He initially pushed my bra up, but I quickly unclasped it myself. I needed to be free of it; the fabric was too restrictive. Everything was overwhelming me in a way that was almost unbearable; the pleasure he was giving me was like nourishment for my soul.

He knew exactly how to make me respond to him, and in no time at all, I was swept up in an orgasm, my legs involuntarily tightening as I tried to recover.

It was only a matter of seconds before he moved up and covered my body with his, his hard cock already primed between my legs. I didn’t just want it; I needed it. I hitched my legs up and heard him growl as he took in the sight of me, my sex exposed and waiting for him.

Christopher held my legs as he slowly thrust in—I opened myself to him while he moaned deeply and hoarsely.

Soon his thrusts became more forceful and his moans louder and more rhythmic. He was on his knees, and his other hand found my clitoris while he continued thrusting, driving me wild with desire. I just wanted more and more, and when his hoarse moan reached my ears, it was the final push I needed to climax again.

The feeling was so powerful and intense that I felt consumed by it—it was a blend of peace, love, passion, pleasure, and joy.

Christopher lay down next to me with a smile on his face. He pulled me into his embrace, and I fell asleep on his chest, a smile on my face.

I was jolted awake by the sound of a cell phone ringing. Christopher was holding me, and I felt him pull me even closer.

“Is it that jerk again?” he asked, and I laughed before searching for my cell phone.

I reached for my phone, but it wasn’t mine that was ringing.

“It’s not mine,” I replied, causing Christopher to leap out of bed. He grabbed his cell phone and answered it quickly. He nervously ran his hands through his hair while listening to the call, his gaze fixed on me, his blue eyes filled with worry. It tore me up inside. Something had happened, and it was serious.

“Okay, I’m on my way,” he said, hanging up. His eyes met mine, and he spoke with a heavy heart. “We were attacked. I need to go to the border. We had several guards injured, so they’ll need you at the hospital as well.”

“Of course,” I said, searching for my dress. I quickly got dressed.

“Don’t you want to change?” he asked, his voice still laced with concern.

“I can change into scrubs at the hospital,” I reassured him as I slipped on my sandals.

“You need to bring some of your things here to make your life easier,” he suggested, pulling a shirt from his closet, as if what he said was just common sense.

I froze, sensing the significance of his words. I wanted to discuss it, but Christopher’s tension was palpable. I decided to bring it up later.

“The attack was on the border with the south, the opposite direction from the hospital. Can you drive yourself? Take any one of my cars,” he offered.

“Of course, no problem,” I said, grabbing my bag.

Christopher quickly pulled on his pants.

“Do you want to talk about it?” I asked. Even though I hadn’t known him for long, I could tell when he was stressed, and right now, he seemed more than just stressed.

“No, not now,” he said, finishing tying his shoes.

“You take the car from last night, and I’ll take the sedan. They’re both armored, and some guards will escort you,” he said. His words sent a chill down my spine.

I looked into his eyes, not sure what to expect, but I was worried.

“Christopher, do you think this is really necessary?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“No, it’s just a precaution. Please, Scarlett.” His worried eyes told me this was more than just a precaution, but I nodded, and he tossed the keys to me.

I caught them midair, and we headed to the garage together.

“Wait,” he said, grabbing my arm before I got in the car.

I turned to him, and Christopher took a moment to study my face; then he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Scarlett, I need you to understand something. I know you have to go to the hospital, but every moment you’re away from me…” He trailed off, looking away.

I felt my heart stop.

He sighed and looked at me again, pleading. “Just come back to me.”

My lips parted in surprise.

“I’ll come back,” I promised, resting my hands on his chest. “But you’ll be in a war zone. Can you promise me you’ll be careful?”

He gave me a tight-lipped smile.

“I promise,” he said, and kissed me lightly. “I’ll see you later.”

I drove the car he had taken me to dinner in the previous night, but I wasn’t used to such a fancy vehicle. I was a little hesitant as I left the parking garage, and I was hyperaware of my surroundings.

As we left the garage, I headed toward the hospital, while he went south.

I noticed some cars from the escort, but they just followed me and stayed outside the hospital.

I arrived at the hospital and parked in my usual spot.

I rushed through the emergency room, and oddly, everything was still calm.

I found my sister at the emergency reception.

“Scarlett, what are you doing here?” Karen asked. “You’re not on the schedule.”

“We were attacked, there are injured guards, and this emergency room will fill up in a few minutes,” I explained.

“Call all the doctors and nurses who are off duty,” I instructed the receptionist, then I headed to the changing room. “Get me scrubs and a pair of shoes,” I said as I took off my sandals.

Karen brought me what I needed.

We returned to reception, and it was at that exact moment that we received the announcement from the guard.

Karen was already calling Thomas, and my heart sank. They had synchronized their shifts, which meant if she was in the emergency room, he was on duty.

He didn’t answer.

She kept trying his phone, but it just went to voicemail.

I knew she was worried.

But it was only a matter of a few minutes before the emergency room was full of guards. Some had been injured by bullets, others by silver swords, others had been bitten, and there were two amputations—one was an arm and the other a leg.

All right, time to buckle down.

I shot a quick look at Karen.

She promptly stowed her phone away in her pocket.

Together, we rolled up our sleeves, ready to assist the guards who bravely stood watch over us.