Chapter 28:Conflicting Emotions

The moon hangs high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the manor and its surroundings. Inside, the family gathers for a late-night meal, their laughter and chatter filling the air with warmth and companionship. Allegra sits beside Declan, their fingers intertwined. As she sits beside Declan, soaking in the warmth of their companionship, she can't help but steal glances at Donovan across the table. His expressionless face and distant gaze intrigue her, stirring a curiosity she can't shake. His eyes seemed to trail off from time to time as if he was in a deep thought. Despite his aloof demeanor, there's something about Donovan that draws her in, an air of mystery that piques her interest.

As the meal progresses, Allegra finds herself lost in thought, contemplating the complexities of her newfound family dynamics. She wonders about Donovan's past, the experiences that have shaped him into the enigmatic figure he is today. Despite the jovial atmosphere around her, there's a subtle tension lingering in the air, an unspoken undercurrent of unresolved emotions and unanswered questions.

Declan's hand squeezes hers gently, bringing her back to the present moment. She meets his gaze and finds reassurance in his warm smile. In that fleeting exchange, she feels a sense of belonging wash over her, a deep-seated connection that transcends words.

But as the night wears on and the laughter fades into the background, Allegra can't shake the feeling of unease that lingers in the air. There's a darkness lurking beneath the surface, a shadowy presence that threatens to disrupt the fragile peace they've cultivated.

Donovan's gaze catches Allegra's lingering stare, prompting a subtle raise of his brow, curiosity crossing his features for a brief moment. Sensing his scrutiny, she quickly shifts her gaze to Declan, pretending to be absorbed in his conversation with Caden, hoping to divert attention. However, Donovan's eye roll indicates he's not fooled by her evasion causing her to get flustered and turn red.

Suddenly, a voice intrudes into her thoughts, causing Allegra to startle.

'Why are you staring?' The words resonate in her mind, catching her off guard. She glances around, but no one else seems to have heard it. They were oblivious to her inner turmoil and engrossed in their conversations. With a mixture of confusion and intrigue, she directs her attention back to Donovan.

'Did you just talk in my head?' she silently question back in her mind, her thoughts echoing in the silence of her mind. Her eyes lock with Donovan's, searching for any hint of acknowledgment or explanation. But he offers no response, leaving her to wonder if she's imagining things or if there's a deeper connection between them that defies conventional explanation.

Donovan observes the playful banter between Logan and Caroline as he leans back in his chair. Meanwhile, Allegra's gaze drifts to Donovan, her eyes drawn to the hint of a black tattoo peeking out from beneath his shirt. It's a curious sight—a pair of small holes encircled by intricate swirls.

Her cheeks flush with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Memories of their past encounter resurface, the moment when Donovan had asked her to bite him. But surely, any wounds from that time should have healed by now. Could he have chosen to commemorate the event with a tattoo in the same spot?

Shaking off the thought, Allegra refocuses her attention on Declan, determined to push aside any lingering questions about Donovan's mysterious tattoo.

As the dinner came to a close, Allegra found herself deeply engaged in conversation with Calista, their laughter filling the room. Lost in their discussion, she didn't notice Declan approaching until he swept her off her feet, cradling her in his arms. Her laughter bubbled up, echoing through the hall.

Declan smirked down at her, teasing, "You two have gotten so close! Don't forget about me." His playful tone brought a smile to Allegra's lips as she hugged him tightly, planting a quick peck on his cheek.

In the periphery of her vision, she caught sight of Donovan rolling his eyes, a grimace flickering across his features at the sight of their affectionate display. Allegra's smile faltered for a moment, a pang of uncertainty tugging at her heart.

"What's troubling you, love?" Declan's voice was soft as they entered the solitude of their room. Allegra gazed into his eyes, uncertainty flickering in her own.

She planted a tender kiss on his lips, her heart pounding with apprehension. For a brief moment, he didn't react, and she feared his response. But then, he gently set her down and cupped her face in his palms, towering over her as he leaned in to give her a passionate kiss, erasing any doubts from her mind.

She melted into the kiss, her longing evident in the way she responded to him. But as their passion intensified, Declan stopped, his breaths heavy with restraint.

"You're still recovering," he murmured, his voice laced with concern.

Allegra protested softly, her desire conflicting with his caution. "But..."

"No, Allegra," he interrupted gently, brushing his lips against hers once more before pulling back. Despite her pout, he kissed her again, his touch igniting a fire within her as he guided her to the bed, his love and concern intertwined in every gesture.

As they cuddle in the bed Allegra speaks

"Declan, do you ever wonder about Donovan?" Allegra's voice was soft, her fingers tracing absent-minded patterns on his chest as they lay entwined in each other's arms.

Declan's hand paused on her back, his gaze shifting to the ceiling as he contemplated her question. "Sometimes," he admitted quietly, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "He's always been a bit of an enigma, hasn't he? But he's family, and that's what matters." He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his fingers resuming their soothing motion along her spine. "Why do you ask?"

Allegra snuggled closer to him, her head resting against his chest as she pondered her thoughts. "I don't know," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's just something about him... I can't quite put my finger on it." She sighed softly, her fingers tracing aimless patterns on Declan's chest. "Maybe it's just my imagination."

Declan stroked her hair gently, his fingers running through the golden locks. "You're probably just overthinking it, love," he reassured her, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Donovan can be a bit enigmatic at times, but I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. Just focus on us, okay?" He held her close, the warmth of their embrace enveloping them in a comforting cocoon amidst the darkness of the night.