Sleeping with the Alpha

We arrived in Huntsville village before the sun started to set into the evening sky. I would say that I am glad we are not traveling in the forest during the dark considering how traumatized I was from before.Goosebumps rippled across my skin when I think about how I encountered the Krae soldier. The way his eyes are wicked and showed no mercy. The carriage stops and that means we have arrived in the village.

"Stay here," Rhys tells me before he leaves the carriage.

I follow his dark hair that sways in the wind from the window and around the carriage. The door beside me opens and I see Rhys with his hand out to me. "Ladies, first." His eyes twinkle with delight as he stares at me.

My hand touches his calloused palm as he helps me out of the cart. "You know I can help myself out, right?"

"Says the one who was cowering like a little girl." He smirks, and I roll my eyes in response. Rhys may be charming, but I find him annoying at times. "Besides, as Alpha, I must be a gentleman."

"Yeah, right," I retorted but the Alpha doesn't entertain my words. He continues walking ahead of me into the village.

I follow Rhys down the path. Looking ahead of me, I see Huntsville village for what it is. No offense, it does not look like a village. There is smoke rising from the sky. Burnt and crumbled buildings. Upset villagers looking around the rubble; searching for their loved ones in the midst of the chaos.

"What happened here?" I say, looking sad at the depressive aura in the village. This looks like a raided village. Raided by whom? I slow down my pace when I see Rhys kneeling in front of a white stone pillar. Broken from the pillar is a satire of a woman in her wolf form cradling the moon in her hands. His slender ears flicker when I near him. He doesn't look at me but stares deeply at the rest of the village. "Is this your home?"

He shakes his head. "The Krae knew best to attack where I was born."

So this was Krae's doing and this is his home village. For what reason did they attack this village when these people had nothing to do with Rhys? I would never find out until he tells me the truth, and I don't plan to find out. My goal is to stay alive until I can return home.

"Sir!" A guard dressed in silver armor runs up to Rhys, huffing as he catches his breath. "Sir– Alpha sir, thank you for arriving. I have some news."

"What is it?" Rhys sounds annoyed.

"I have good news. There were almost no casualties during the Krae attack. Most of all the outcasts are dead."

"Good."

"What of the Krae? What if they attack again, Alpha Rhys."

"Forget about them. They are cowards that couldn't face men like real men so they terrorize my people instead. Let them scurry off."

"But what if they come back?"

"They won't."

"But–"

"I let the low life Omegas be. Do I make myself clear?"

"Y-yes, sir." The guard dips his head before leaving me once more with Rhys.

The evening winds blow a soft current onto my skin. Over the dark sky, the moon is peeking through the hazy clouds hovering in the starless sky. At the corner of my eyes, the guards carry the Alpha's luggage along with my bag.

"I would take that, thank you." I grabbed my bag from the guard that seemed relieved. I clutch the bag to my side, peeking into my bag to check if my ropes and water can are still inside. I catch the Alpha side-eyes me then he grins.

"Why are you holding that bag so dearly to you? Are you hiding a gold bar there?" The Alpha raises his eyebrows at me.

No, I'm planning to go to the runway. The voice in my head answers. "Just lady's things." I smile. The Alpha turns and heads deeper into the village. I carry the bag and follow the guard that takes me to a small looking wooden cottage.

I enter the cottage, the familiar warmth enveloping me, though it's not my true home. The coziness of the space welcomes me, creating a sense of comfort amidst the uncertainties that surround us. I make my way into the room assigned to me, noticing the tasteful decorations that adorn the walls and the neatly arranged furniture.

As I step inside, a feeling of familiarity washes over me, despite the fact that I've never been here before. It's as if this room was crafted to suit my tastes, tailored to make me feel at ease. I set my bag down, tucking it safely under the bed, before allowing my curiosity to guide me further.

I take a moment to explore the room, my gaze falling upon a closet filled with a variety of clothes. My brows furrow, a sense of confusion stirring within me. Women's clothes, neatly hung and organized, catch my attention. The thought that Alpha Rhys might have brought other women here crosses my mind, but I quickly dismiss it as an unfounded assumption.

My mind begins to weave a tapestry of questions. Why are there women's clothes in this room? Who do they belong to? Could there be a reasonable explanation that I'm unaware of?

"Feel free to make yourself at home. This cottage belongs to you, after all," Alpha Rhy's says with a hint of amusement in his voice. I freeze in place seeing him here.

"What are you doing here?" I eye him.

"I'm here to sleep with my mate," he states matter-of-factly, his gaze locked with mine. I feel my heart pounding in my chest, my thoughts spinning in a whirlwind of confusion and apprehension.

"In here?" I manage to utter, my voice barely a whisper, as the reality of the situation sinks in. The implications of his words ripple through my mind, and a mix of emotions floods my senses. Surprise, uncertainty, and a twinge of fear dance within me.

The Alpha, seemingly unperturbed by my reaction, takes a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Why do you act so shocked?" he asks, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "We've shared passionate kisses before and other intimate moments with each other. Now, why would sleeping on a bed be so bad all of a sudden?"

My mouth hangs open, unable to form words as I struggle to process his boldness. I search for a response, but the words escape me, lost in the intensity of the moment. His actions, his words—they catch me off guard, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed.

Before I can regain my composure, the Alpha closes the door behind him, shutting out the outside world. The weight of his presence fills the room, his strong physique on display as he removes his shirt. My heart races even faster, the anticipation and uncertainty mingling in my veins.

His gaze locks onto me as I stand there, frozen, unsure of what to do next. I feel a mixture of desire and apprehension tug at my emotions. A part of me longs to give in to the passion that hangs heavy in the air, while another part questions the speed and intensity of it all.

"I think you should leave," I say.

"Now why would I do that?"

"Fine, you know what. I will leave. I'll sleep on the couch."

"Okay, he shrugs, "and I'll carry you back into this room."

I let out a frustrated sigh.

"Come to bed." He taps the empty space near him.

I look at him for a moment, weighing my options. I could take my chances on the couch but the Alpha is known to mean what he says. But sleeping on a bed with him is just another risk. I take my chance and go to the Alpha. I take the pillow and place it in the middle of us.

"This is my side and your side."

Rhys leans into me and the warmth coming from his body soothes me. His eye glints when staring into me the way he always does when he thinks I'm not looking at him. "I'll try my best to stay on my side."

"Okay, goodnight now." I turned away from him as my ear began to redden. What is his deal? The Alpha can be so weird sometimes. Thank god I'll be leaving soon when he least expects it.

I lay down on the bed, facing the other side away from the Alpha. Around us feels quiet. Too quiet. I take the chance and peek behind me and see the Alpha sleeping on his back with his eyes closed. He doesn't seem to be in deep sleep yet. I didn't realize how hairy his arms were. Without thinking, I touch the hair on his arms. They feel like fur.

"The Alpha open his eyes, "Why did you touch me?"'

He cracks a smile. "Go to sleep Mel, or I might have to find ways to tire you out."

"You wish." I turn to my side, hogging almost all the blankets for myself.