Alpha Kingsley’s POV
I stood behind her and watched her sleep.
There was something almost magical about the way she rested — peaceful, unaware, defenseless.
A faint smile curved her lips as if she were dreaming of something pleasant.
Every now and then she murmured incoherent words, her brows twitching slightly like she was having a quiet conversation in her sleep.
I hadn’t seen her this calm before.
It was… intoxicating.
I told myself I was only here to make sure she remained stable.
She was important.
I needed her well until I got what I wanted.
That was all.
At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.
But as the minutes stretched into something heavier, I realized I hadn’t moved.
I hadn’t even blinked.
I had been standing there far longer than necessary, simply watching her breathe.
Then she stirred.
Her fingers clenched the sheets suddenly.
A soft whimper escaped her lips before it turned into a sharp scream.
Tears slipped from the corners of her closed eyes as she gripped the mattress tightly, like she was falling from somewhere high and holding on for dear life.
My body reacted before my thoughts could catch up.
I moved to her side instantly, concern cutting through me.
It’s normal, I reminded myself.
You need her sound.
Nothing more.
But that wasn’t entirely true — and I knew it.
Her eyes fluttered open, confusion swimming in them.
She looked disoriented for a moment before realizing I was standing there.
Watching her.
Her breathing slowed, though I still noticed the slight tremble in her hands.
I reached for the glass of water on the bedside table and leaned closer.
“Easy,” I said quietly.
Our faces were inches apart.
Her gaze dropped to my lips.
Then, slowly… she closed her eyes.
Her lashes rested softly against her cheeks, and her lips parted just slightly — not boldly, not seductively — but with innocent anticipation.
She thought I was going to kiss her.
For a split second, I almost did.
My eyes traced the curve of her mouth, the warmth of her breath brushing against my skin.
I felt Argon stir inside me, pushing forward, urging me.
Kiss her.
Claim her.
Instead, I reached past her and picked up the glass of water, placing it in her hands.
My fingers brushed hers deliberately.
She startled, nearly spilling the water onto the bed.
A low chuckle left my throat.
Her eyes flew open, realization dawning on her face.
A deep blush crept up her neck to her cheeks. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
“You should drink,” I murmured, amused.
Argon growled in my mind.
Coward.
I ignored him.
She avoided my gaze as she sipped the water, clearly flustered.
I found myself enjoying her awkwardness — the way she tried to compose herself and failed under my stare.
When she finished, she shifted as if to leave.
Without thinking, I reached out and caught her wrist.
The movement was instinctive.
She lost her balance, slipping forward — but I was faster.
I caught her against my chest, one arm wrapping around her waist.
Her scent hit me instantly.
Lilies.
Wildflowers.
And something uniquely hers — soft, warm, impossible to name.
It flooded my senses and calmed something restless inside me.
Even Argon gave an approving hum.
Her hands pressed against my torso, fingers splaying over my chest as she tried to steady herself.
But instead of pulling away immediately, her touch lingered.
Slowly.
Curiously.
Her fingertips traced the hard lines of my muscles, gliding upward as though she were mapping unfamiliar territory.
If I didn’t know better, I would have thought she was trying to seduce me.
And she was doing a damn good job of it.
Heat surged through me, sharp and immediate.
My grip on her waist tightened unconsciously.
I wanted more.
Wanted to pull her closer.
Wanted to feel her beneath me — not just against me.
“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice rougher than I intended.
She froze.
Panic flickered in her eyes as she realized what she had done.
In her flustered attempt to pull away, her hand slipped lower —
And my body reacted.
Her fingers brushed against the hardened length between my legs — proof of exactly what she was doing to me.
She gasped, jerking back as if burned.
“I—I’m sorry!” she stammered, horrified.
Her entire face turned crimson.
I exhaled slowly, forcing control back into my body.
“What are you sorry for?” I asked softly, though my voice carried a dangerous edge.
“You’ll start something you can’t finish,” I added quietly.
Her eyes widened further, embarrassment and something else flickering there — something curious.
I could have pushed her further.
Could have tested how far that curiosity went.
Instead, I straightened.
“You’ll be staying here,” I said calmly.
“With me.”
Argon’s excited growl echoed in my mind.
Her mouth fell open.
“W-what?
I can’t—”
”One word from me,” I cut in smoothly, “and the decision is final.”
Silence fell between us.
She knew it.
And so did I.
Without giving her space to argue further, I turned and left the room.
The air outside felt cooler as I stepped into the garden, but it did little to calm the storm brewing inside me.
Why did I ask her to stay?
It’s temporary, I told myself.
Until she’s stronger.
Until I figure things out.
That’s all.
But the image of her closing her eyes, waiting for my kiss, replayed vividly in my mind.
The softness of her lips.
The warmth of her breath.
The way her hands felt against my skin.
The electricity that shot through me at the slightest touch.
“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.
Why am I thinking about this?
She’s here temporarily.
Nothing more.
But my heart — and apparently my body — had other plans.
Footsteps approached, snapping me from my thoughts.
I turned to see Beta Andrew striding toward me, his expression tight.
“I tried mind-linking you,” he said.
“You didn’t respond.”
My brows furrowed.
I hadn’t even noticed.
“You were distracted,” Argon mocked.
I silenced him.
“What’s the matter?” I asked.
Andrew glanced at me carefully before speaking.
“We’ve detected unusual movement near the northern border. Patrols report sensing black magic.”
The words cut through me sharply.
Black magic.
My earlier thoughts vanished instantly, replaced with cold focus.
“Where?” I demanded.
“Near the old forest line. The energy signature is faint but… wrong.”
I didn’t hesitate.
“Alert the warriors,” I commanded.
“No one moves alone.”
Without another word, I moved, heading toward the border.
Romantic distractions could wait.
If dark magic was near my territory, then someone was either testing us —
Or preparing for war.
And if anyone thought they could step into my land unnoticed…
They were about to find out exactly why I was Alpha.
And why the rumors about me were never baseless.