It was already quite late by the time they finally made it back home. The journey had been long, and the weariness of the day was evident in the quiet atmosphere that surrounded them. The house stood still against the night, its warm glow from the lights inside inviting them in. The silence of the late hour seemed to wrap around them like a blanket, soothing and peaceful.
Donna had fallen asleep during the ride, her small form nestled comfortably in Alpha Kilian’s strong arms, her breaths even and quiet. Her head rested gently against his chest, her innocence radiating a sense of calm. Nelly walked beside him, her steps light, as she chatted softly with Tony and Ben. Their voices were low but filled with warmth, the kind of chatter that spoke of love and familiarity. Together, they looked like a picture-perfect family-a group that belonged together, moving in harmony after a long but fulfilling day. It was a scene of comfort, of homecoming, and of unspoken bonds that tied them all together.
When they stepped inside the house, Tony glanced around, his sharp eyes scanning the familiar surroundings before turning to Nelly. “It’s getting late. We’ll head to bed now,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with exhaustion. It was clear that the day had taken its toll on him, and sleep was the only thing on his mind.
Nelly nodded in agreement, her smile soft. “Alright, good night.” Her tone was gentle, carrying the warmth of someone who cared deeply about the people she was speaking to.
Ben, ever cheerful and full of energy despite the hour, chimed in enthusiastically. “Good night, Nelly!” His voice was bright, a stark contrast to the stillness of the house, and it brought a smile to Nelly’s face.
“Good night,” she replied warmly, her eyes following the boys as they disappeared into their rooms. She stood there for a moment, watching them go, a sense of peace settling over her.
Alpha Kilian adjusted his hold on Donna, shifting her slightly in his arms to make her more comfortable. Without saying a word, he began making his way up the stairs, his steps steady and purposeful. Nelly followed closely behind him, her eyes occasionally drifting to the sleeping girl in his arms.
When they reached the top of the stairs, Nelly broke the silence. Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, as she made her suggestion. “Let her sleep in my room tonight. I’ll stay with her. I’ve missed her so much.” Her gaze lingered on Donna’s peaceful face, and the longing in her tone was unmistakable.
Alpha Kilian paused, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered her words. “She hasn’t had a proper rest in quite some time,” he said thoughtfully, his voice calm but firm. “It’s better if she sleeps in her own room tonight.” His decision seemed final, and without waiting for a response, he turned and made his way to the room next to Tony’s, his steps measured and deliberate.
Nelly hesitated for a brief moment before following him. She trusted his judgment, believing that his decision came from a place of care. He always seemed to know what was best, especially when it came to Donna.
Donna didn’t stir as Alpha Kilian gently laid her down on the bed. The little girl remained deep in slumber, her small chest rising and falling with each steady breath. The room was quiet, the only sound being the soft rustle of the blanket as it settled around her. The warm night air had caused a few strands of hair to stick to her cheeks, framing her face in a way that made her look even more delicate. Her smooth skin and long eyelashes gave her the appearance of a porcelain doll, fragile and beautiful.
Nelly’s heart swelled with warmth as she gazed at the girl. A tender smile spread across her lips, and she reached out to gently tuck Donna’s hair behind her ear. The movement was so light, it barely disturbed the girl, though she shifted slightly in her sleep, rolling over but remaining blissfully unaware.
She’s just a child, Nelly thought, her mind drifting. Yet, she carries herself with such maturity, as though she’s far older than she really is.
Alpha Kilian’s lips curled into a faint smile as he adjusted Donna’s blanket, tucking it snugly around her small form. His expression was soft, almost reverent, as he looked at his daughter. Then, he turned his gaze to Nelly and spoke in a low voice, careful not to disturb the sleeping girl. “Let’s go.”
Reluctantly, Nelly nodded, her eyes lingering on Donna for a moment longer before following Alpha Kilian out of the room.
Once they were in the hallway, Nelly closed the door quietly behind them. Turning to him, her smile returned, warm and genuine. “You know,” she began, her voice filled with affection, “I could tell how happy they were today. It was written all over their faces.”
Alpha Kilian nodded in agreement, his eyes softening as he recalled the events of the day. His expression, calm yet thoughtful, reflected his own contentment.
“It’s late,” Nelly said after a moment, her tone light but firm. “I think I’ll head to bed now. Good night.” She smiled at him before turning to walk toward her room.
Alpha Kilian’s voice stopped her just as she took her first step. “Nelly!” he called out, his tone carrying an urgency that made her pause.
She turned back to face him, her expression curious but calm. “What is it?”
Alpha Kilian took a few steps closer, closing the distance between them. His dark eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, he said nothing. There was something in his gaze, a depth of emotion that was hard to decipher. It was a mix of affection, vulnerability, and something unspoken-a glimmer that was easy to miss but impossible to ignore. “What you said to me earlier tonight…” he began, his voice soft but steady.
Nelly raised an eyebrow, her curiosity deepening. “What about it?” she asked, her tone patient but intrigued.
Alpha Kilian hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line as if he were carefully choosing his next words. After a moment, he finally spoke. “Whatever you said, I’m going to hold you to it.” His voice was quiet, but there was a firmness in his tone that left no room for doubt.
Her expression remained steady, her confidence unwavering. “I meant every word I said,” she replied, her voice calm and resolute.
Alpha Kilian froze, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as a storm of emotions swirled within them. “Do you even realize what you’re saying, Nelly?” he asked, his voice low and almost hesitant. “I’m talking about-”
“I know,” Nelly interrupted, her tone firm but gentle. Her gaze softened as she looked at him, her eyes filled with quiet determination. “Didn’t you keep asking if I wanted to be with you? My answer is yes. I’m serious.”
A flicker of disbelief crossed Alpha Kilian’s face, his features shifting as he processed her words. His expression grew complicated, his strikingly handsome face taking on a devilish edge as a faint smirk played at the corners of his lips. “Really?” he asked after a long pause, his voice low and tinged with uncertainty.
“Yes,” she said again, her nod firm. “Now that you’re mine, you’d better work hard and earn plenty of money.” Her playful tone added a lightness to her words, though her message was clear.
Her comment seemed to break the tension, and a spark of excitement lit up Alpha Kilian’s eyes. He reached out, grabbing her hand and taking a step closer. “Did I hear you wrong, Nelly?” he asked, his tone teasing but laced with disbelief. “Or did you drink too much tonight?”
Nelly chuckled softly, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. “Oh no, Alpha Kilian,” she replied, her voice playful. “Your ears must be going bad already. But you’re still so young! Unless… are you saying you don’t want to be mine?”
Before she could say anything else, Alpha Kilian closed the remaining distance between them. Gently but firmly, he pinned her against the wall, his dark gaze boring into hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper as he spoke. “Say that again, Nelly.”
Blinking, she opened her mouth, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest. “I said my answer is yes-”
Before she could finish, his lips crashed against hers, silencing her completely. The kiss was sudden, passionate, and filled with all the emotions he had been holding back.
This time, Nelly didn’t pull away. Instead, her hands moved slowly to his waist, her fingers curling slightly as she leaned into the embrace. The two of them remained locked in the hallway, their kiss deepening with every passing moment, the world around them fading into nothingness.
After what felt like an eternity, Alpha Kilian finally pulled her gently toward his room, their hands intertwined.
Inside, he shut the door behind them, his gaze never leaving hers. Without hesitation, he leaned in again, his lips trailing over her skin like soft raindrops, each touch deliberate and filled with affection.
Nelly closed her eyes, her breath hitching slightly. Whether it was the lingering effects of the alcohol or something deeper, she couldn’t deny the warmth spreading through her. Alpha Kilian’s touch was gentle yet firm, his movements careful yet filled with a passion that left her feeling both safe and exhilarated.
He didn’t rush, taking his time with every movement. Each touch, each kiss carried an intensity that left her breathless, making her feel as though time itself had stopped. In his arms, she felt a calm she hadn’t experienced in years, as though the rest of the world had ceased to exist.