Alison’s POV
The first thing I noticed was the ache… a deep, throbbing soreness in my private area, I hadn’t known it could ache. My body felt heavier, lazier, as if it had finally surrendered to a profound exhaustion. I stretched carefully, the cool sheets brushing against my bare skin, and turned my head to the side. There he was, Xander, the Alpha of Alphas, lying on his stomach with one arm draped over his pillow, his breathing steady, his face softened in sleep.
For a moment, I just watched him, unable to help the smile tugging at my lips. His dark lashes fanned against his cheeks, a stark contrast to the sharp angles of his face. He looked so unguarded, so unlike the commanding figure who could make even the bravest tremble.
Careful not to disturb him, I began to slide out of bed, pulling the sheet with me to wrap around my body. But before I could make it far, a hand shot out and grabbed my wrist, tugging me back with enough force to send me sprawling onto the mattress.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Xander’s voice was a husky murmur, still rough from sleep. His lips curled into a teasing smirk as his silver eyes flicked open, locking onto mine.
“I was going to shower,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant, though my heart was racing from the sudden movement and his touch.
He tugged me closer, his grip firm but gentle. “Without me? That doesn’t sound fair.”
“Xander,” I protested weakly, but his smirk only widened.
“Come on,” he murmured, leaning in so his lips brushed the shell of my ear. “Let’s shower together.”
Before I could argue, he scooped me into his arms as if I weighed nothing, carrying me into the adjoining bathroom. The steam from the hot water swirled around us almost instantly as he turned on the shower.
I stood there, awkwardly clutching the sheet, but Xander had no such hesitation. He pulled me under the warm spray with him, the water cascading over his sculpted body. I tried to keep my gaze level, but his smirk told me I wasn’t succeeding.
“You’re blushing,” he said, his voice full of amusement.
“Am not,” I shot back, though the heat crawling up my neck betrayed me.
His laughter was deep and rich, echoing in the tiled space. But then his laughter faded, replaced by something far more intense. His hands found my waist, pulling me flush against him, and I gasped as his lips claimed mine.
The kiss was unhurried yet insistent, his tongue tracing the seam of my lips until I parted for him. My body responded instinctively, melting into him as his hands roamed my back, his fingers sliding over wet skin.
“Xander,” I breathed against his mouth, my voice trembling with a mix of desire and uncertainty.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured, his voice soothing yet laced with a hunger that sent shivers down my spine.
His lips moved to my neck, trailing down to my collarbone, and I tilted my head to give him better access. Every kiss, every touch, seemed to ignite something within me, a fire that burned hotter with each passing second.
He guided me gently against the shower wall, his body pressing against mine, the heat of the water mingling with the heat of his skin. His hands were everywhere exploring, worshipping as if he couldn’t get enough.
When he finally entered me, it was slow, deliberate, and utterly consuming. A soft cry escaped my lips, but he hushed me with a kiss, his movements measured and precise, as if he was savoring every moment.
“You’re mine, Alison,” he whispered, his voice a rough growl that sent a thrill through me.
“And you’re mine,” I replied, my voice breaking with emotion.
His teeth grazed my neck, and I gasped as I felt the sharp sting of his mark. It wasn’t just physical, it was a claim, a bond that tied us together in a way that words never could. The pain faded quickly, replaced by a warmth that spread through my entire being, leaving me breathless and overwhelmed.
When we finally collapsed against each other, the water still cascading around us, I knew without a doubt that I was his.
Later, after getting dressed and pulling myself together, I made my way to the kitchen. The warm, savory smell of breakfast greeted me as I stepped inside. To my surprise, Katherine, Xander’s mother, was standing at the stove, directing the staff with a confidence that seemed to come naturally to her.
“Good morning,” I said hesitantly, unsure if I was interrupting.
Katherine turned to me, her eyes sharp but kind. “Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes,” I replied, feeling my cheeks heat at the memory of the night before and the morning.
Her gaze lingered on me for a moment, and then she tilted her head slightly, as if noticing something. I instinctively adjusted my hair, but it was too late. Her sharp eyes had already landed on the mark Xander had left.
A sly smile spread across her face. “Well, well. It seems congratulations should soon be in order.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out.
“Don’t look so shy,” she said with a laugh. “It’s about time. Now, why don’t you fetch Xander? We’ll handle breakfast.”
Still flustered, I nodded and hurried back to the bedroom. Xander was already dressed, his dark hair still damp from the shower. He looked up as I entered, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
“Your mother wants you,” I said quickly, trying to avoid his gaze.
“Does she now?” he said, walking toward me. He stopped in front of me, his fingers brushing my cheek. “You’re still blushing.”
I swatted his hand away, but my heart wasn’t in it.
At breakfast, Katherine couldn’t resist smiling and looking at both of us.
“I can’t wait to have little Xanders and Alisons running around,” she said, her tone playful but her eyes gleaming with genuine excitement.
Xander chuckled, though his ears turned a faint shade of pink. I, on the other hand, wanted the ground to swallow me whole.
“And the mating ceremony?” Katherine continued, raising an eyebrow.
Before Xander could respond, the dining room door opened, and Beta Luke entered, holding a thick envelope.
“Good morning, Alpha, Luna,” he said, bowing slightly before placing the envelope on the table. “I bring news.”
Xander straightened, his expression turning serious. “What is it?”
“Alpha Kendrick and Luna Priya have been successfully transported to the Head Alpha’s territory. Their trial is scheduled for two weeks from now.”
I felt a pang of relief but also unease. Kendrick had caused so much pain, yet part of me felt conflicted about what awaited him.
“And this,” Luke continued, gesturing to the envelope, “contains the results of the DNA test.”
The room seemed to freeze as he handed it to me. My hands trembled as I took it, my heart pounding in my chest.
“You’ve got this,” Xander said softly, his hand brushing mine in reassurance.
I looked around the table-at Luke, at Katherine, at Xander-before finally summoning the courage to open the envelope. The words blurred for a moment, but then they came into focus: 99. 9% paternity positive.
Tears filled my eyes as I looked up. “He’s my father,” I whispered.
Xander was by my side in an instant, pulling me into his arms. Katherine joined us, wrapping me in a warm, maternal embrace.
As the emotions began to settle, a thought occurred to me, one that refused to be ignored. I pulled back, looking at Xander with a determined expression.
“I need to see him,” I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil in my chest.
Xander frowned. “See who?”
“Kendrick,” I replied. “I need to visit him in captivity.”
His eyes widened. “Hell no?”