Alec’s

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.

I'm not sure how long I lay there focusing on my breathing and the noise in the kitchen when the noise stops and I hear Alec's soft footsteps closing in.

He enters the room carrying a tray balanced on one hand, his eyes fixed on me as though he's afraid I might shatter. Toast, eggs, tea. Simple. But it feels like so much more.

He sits beside me, 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 my throat, but it's the way Alec watches me that has me fighting not to cry.

His thumb brushes over my lower lip, and my heart stutters as his eyes darken slightly. I part my lips, my tongue darting out to lick the spot he touched. Alec's jaw tightens, his nostrils flaring.

"You're trembling," he murmurs, his hand cupping my cheek, his thumb stroking a slow, gentle line beneath my eye.noveldrama

I close my eyes against the intensity of his gaze, forcing myself to breathe through the ache.

I am not able to finish everything, but at least I get something in my stomach "Thank you." I murmur

"You don't have to thank me," he whispers, his breath ghosting over my skin.

I swallow; my throat thick.

"I feel like I'm falling apart." I admit, voice breaking.

Alec's jaw clenches, his expression softening. He doesn't say anything, just pulls

me into his arms, where I cling to him like my life depends on it.

"I'll be back." he detangles from me after a while and then picks up the dishes and leaves.

The moment he's out of the room, I sag against the pillow. Now I understand clearly what Nyx meant This is torture. Alec being close eases things a bit, but it still isn't enough to completely quench the fire inside me.

"Nyx," I call her.

"I'm here." she sounds as exhausted as I feel.

"How are you holding up? How are you feeling?"

She sighs but then gives me a wolfish smile. "Like, shit, but Knox has been lending me his strength."

"Just like Alec is," I whisper, feeling touched. "They showing up for us like they said they would."

"Yeah," Nyx replies softly. "But seriously, are you sure painkillers can't help with this?"

"I'm sure. No amount of painkiller can help with this pain."

Alec comes back just as Nyx disappears and retreats to the back of my mind.

"I was just thinking," he begins. "Do you think we can go outside and get some fresh air? I think it'll be good for you."

I think about it and then agree. It wouldn't hurt to be outside when he's with me.

Alec drapes one of his hoodies over my shoulders before leading me out. The cool breeze is a balm against my fevered skin, but the moon's pull still pulses through me, amplifying every nerve ending. '

He keeps a hand on the small of my back, his touch grounding. Every step feels heavy, each breath more difficult to take.

I stumble, my knees threatening to buckle, but Alec catches me, his strong arms

wrapping around me and holding me up.

"Easy," he whispers, his lips against my hair, close my eyes and press my face to his chest, inhaling his scent-woods, earth, and something uniquely Alec.