Chapter 173

Chapter 173
Erin's POV

Steam filled the luxurious bathroom, wrapping us in a cloud of hazy white mist. Alexander sat in the center of the spacious, round marble tub, hot water lapping gently against his broad chest. My gaze was drawn involuntarily to the jagged scar on his neck, a cruel reminder of how close I'd come to losing him forever.

If only I'd recognized the danger sooner...

I perched on the edge of the tub, my fingers trembling as they lightly traced the scar that was transforming from angry red to silvery white.

"Does it still hurt?" I asked softly.

Alexander caught my hand and pressed it to his lips. "Honestly, I barely felt any pain when it happened," he recalled, his voice low and raspy. "All I remember is seeing the terror on your face before I lost consciousness... then nothing."

A wave of fear washed over me, and I slid into the warm water, pressing close to his body while carefully avoiding his other wounds. "You almost died," I couldn't control the tremor in my voice as pent-up emotions came flooding out. "If that damn wolf had bitten just a little deeper..." I choked up, unable to finish the terrible hypothesis.

"If this, if that..." Alexander shook his head, his warm arms pulling me closer. "Life is full of too many hypotheticals, baby. We can't live in 'what ifs.'"

I lifted my head to glare at him. "Remember what I told you before? Stay safe! That was my ONLY request! Then you go playing hero and nearly get yourself buried!"

Alexander sighed, his thumb drawing soothing circles on my shoulder. "The operation was already in motion, Erin. I couldn't back out, not with so many wolf lives hanging in the balance."

"You could have postponed!" I argued stubbornly, "Or sent Noah, or..."

"After you left me," he interrupted quietly, fingers gently stroking my wet hair, "I became more reckless. Like part of me stopped caring about consequences." He looked down, his blue eyes meeting mine directly, "Almost losing everything made me realize what truly matters."

I pressed my face against his uninjured shoulder, breathing in his scent, my wolf humming contentedly inside me.

"And what matters?" I asked softly, though I already knew the answer.

"You," he replied simply but powerfully, his fingers lifting my chin. "Us. The future we can build together."

He adjusted his position slightly, muscles tensing subtly beneath the water. "Despite the cost, the operation was successful. East Claw's influence in Seattle has been significantly weakened, and Black Stone secured several key territories and business shares."

I couldn't help but smirk, grateful for the change of subject. "Being Alpha of Seattle isn't enough for you? Now you're planning to conquer the entire Northwest?"

Alexander laughed, the sound vibrating in his chest. "You know me, always ambitious." His fingers combed through my wet hair before he suddenly asked, "Any word on that bastard Jasper?"

"No," I shook my head, thinking about the wolf spy I'd once considered a friend. "He's completely vanished. His mother must be furious."

"Are you worried about him?" Alexander asked, his voice deliberately casual, but I could smell the sour scent of jealousy in his breath.

I snorted, "Please, he deceived me for months, pretending to be my friend to gain my trust. I couldn't care less about him."

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "But he had feelings for you."

"That's his misfortune," I answered, my fingers trailing over Alexander's wet chest. "I've belonged to another Alpha for a long time."

Alexander bent to kiss my forehead gently. "Yes, you are mine," he murmured, his voice full of possession. "Since the moment I first saw you." He tightened his arms, pulling me closer.

I nestled contentedly against his chest, saying softly, "You know, I never used to believe in love at first sight."

He chuckled. "It's not just me, apparently many people fall for you at first sight." He deliberately cleared his throat, his expression becoming playful. "First Jasper, then Chris! That guy looks at you like you're a juicy bone!"

I couldn't help laughing, deliberately splashing water to wet his face. "Chris is just a friend, you jealous monster. Besides, even if he had other ideas, I've turned him down several times already."

"A 'friend' who's ready to steal you away at any moment," Alexander growled, suddenly gripping my waist and pulling me onto his lap. Water splashed everywhere, large amounts spilling over the tub's edge, forming small puddles on the marble floor.

"Watch your wounds!" I warned, bracing my hands on his broad shoulders, but it was already too late.

Alexander's lips pressed passionately against mine, his tongue forcefully exploring my mouth, one hand cradling the back of my head to deepen the kiss. His other hand boldly stroked down my spine, sliding to my backside, gently squeezing. I could feel his desire rapidly awakening underwater, pressing hard against my thigh.

"They're healing well," he whispered against my lips, his voice hoarse with desire. "Now I have more urgent matters to attend to."

His lips began moving downward, along my jaw, neck, continuing their journey to my chest. When his lips enclosed around one nipple, I couldn't help but throw my head back with a moan. His tongue skillfully teased the sensitive peak while his other hand covered my other breast, fingers pinching and teasing.

"Alex..." I gasped, my hands threading through his wet black hair.

Underwater, his hand began exploring more intimate regions. When his fingers touched the most sensitive part between my legs, I instinctively arched against him. He expertly circled that spot, gradually increasing pressure, causing my breathing to quicken.

"I love seeing you like this," he looked up, his blue eyes darkening, "wet for me, ready for me."

His fingers slipped inside me, and I bit my lower lip hard, trying to control the moans threatening to escape. His fingers curled inside me, searching for that spot that would make me come undone.

"Don't hold back," he commanded, "I want to hear you."

"The neighbors will hear," I protested half-heartedly.

"Let them hear," Alexander murmured, adding another finger. "Let everyone know you're mine."

His fingers found that special spot, and my back immediately arched, a moan escaping beyond my control. More water splashed out of the tub, but I no longer cared.

His movements became bolder, his fingers pumping faster while his thumb stimulated my sensitive bud. My breathing grew ragged, pleasure building inside me. Just as I was about to reach my peak, he suddenly stopped.

"No..." I protested, opening my eyes in disappointment.

Alexander smiled, mischief glinting in his eyes. "Turn around," he commanded softly.