Chapter 13. Breathless

‘Your body is still adjusting to the mark. Rest well. I’ll try my best not to disturb you.’

Those words from Alpha King to her kept echoing in Althea’s mind as she lay on his bed, even after he left.

The mattress was unexpectedly soft, and the warmth surrounding her was unfamiliar yet strangely comforting. He had left some time ago, likely to talk with his men, and during that period, Melva came in to assist her with cleaning.

Now, the inside of the tent was quiet again when she suddenly heard footsteps.

Althea’s heart skipped. Quickly, she closed her eyes and stilled her breathing, pretending to sleep. She heard the rustle of clothes, the subtle dip of weight on the bed. Her body tensed when she felt that familiar warmth behind her, his chest pressing against her back, his arm draping over her waist.

Then… his face nuzzled into the crook of her neck.

‘Is he sniffing me?’ she wondered, her mind racing as she struggled to stay still.

“A