Chapter 185

Chapter 185
[Amelia's POV]

"God, I can't believe I actually said that," I giggled, covering my face with my hands. "A house Alpha? Really?"

Alex was still chuckling as he plated the fresh eggs, his amber eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hey, I meant every word. I'd be damn good at it too."

I watched him move around the kitchen with that fluid confidence he brought to everything, and for a moment I wondered if he was actually serious. Could someone like Alex Pike - who commanded respect from every wolf in the Pack, who had built Silver Moon into the powerhouse it was today - really be content playing house? Part of me thought he should be proud of what he'd accomplished, of the empire he ruled. But looking at him now, relaxed and genuinely happy, maybe I was underestimating what really mattered to him.

"Come on," Alex said, balancing two plates expertly in one hand while gesturing toward the dining area with the other. "Let's eat this before I burn something else."

I started to move toward him, automatically reaching for one of the plates. "Here, let me help—"

"Nope." He smoothly stepped back, keeping the plates out of my reach. "I told you, I'm taking care of you today. That means no lifting a finger."

The dining area was just as impressive as the rest of the apartment, dominated by a massive dark wood table that could easily seat eight people. Six chairs surrounded it, all perfectly positioned, and I found myself hesitating. Which one was I supposed to choose? Did Alex usually sit at the head like some kind of Pack leader even at breakfast? Did he bring other Pack members here for meetings? The thought made me oddly jealous.

"Anywhere you want, Millie," Alex said softly, apparently reading my confusion. He set the plates down at adjacent spots near one end of the table. "This is your home too, remember?"

Your home too. The words sent a warm flutter through my chest.

When Alex set my plate down in front of me, I had to bite back a gasp. This wasn't just breakfast - this was a freaking feast. Perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon that looked like it came from some fancy restaurant, fresh berries, what looked like homemade hash browns, and thick slices of French toast dusted with powdered sugar.

"Alex," I breathed, staring at the spread. "This is... incredible. You said you could manage a decent breakfast, not cook like you're running a five-star hotel."

He shrugged, looking pleased but trying to play it off casually. "I had some time to think about what you might like."

As we started eating - and God, everything tasted as amazing as it looked - Alex's voice took on that casual tone that I was learning meant he was about to say something important.

"You know, you should probably keep some clothes here," he said, cutting into his French toast like he'd just commented on the weather. "For convenience. Since you'll probably be staying over pretty regularly now."

I nearly choked on my orange juice. "Stay over... regularly?"

Alex looked up at me, those amber eyes completely serious despite his casual tone. "Well, yeah. I mean, we're mates, Millie. I kind of assumed..." He paused, and for the first time this morning, he looked uncertain. "Unless you don't want to?"

"It's not that I don't want to," I said carefully. "It's just... this is all still so new. And after what happened at my place with all those photographers..."

"That won't happen here," Alex said firmly. "This building has the best security in the city. Plus, most of my neighbors are Pack. They know how to mind their own business."

The idea of being here with him, of having this beautiful space be ours, made something warm and exciting bloom in my chest. This was Alex's private sanctuary, the place where he could drop the CEO mask and just be himself. If he was willing to share that with me, to let me see him at his most vulnerable...

"I'd like that," I admitted quietly. "Living here with you, I mean."

The smile that spread across Alex's face was worth every moment of uncertainty.

"Perfect," he said, reaching across to squeeze my hand. "And speaking of convenience, what do you say we both take the day off? We could use some time to ourselves, away from all the Pack drama and deadlines."

I blinked at him. "You want to take a sick day? You, Alex Pike, CEO of Silver Moon Pack?"

"Damn right I do." His grin was almost boyish. "When's the last time you had a day where you didn't have to think about anything except what you wanted to do?"

Honestly, I couldn't remember. "That... actually sounds amazing."

"Good. Then it's settled." Alex polished off the last of his eggs and stood up. "Now, how about I give you the full tour of your new home? I can take you on a little tour of my place. Show you all the rooms I've been keeping secret."

The way he said it, with that mischievous glint in his eyes, made my stomach flutter with anticipation. "I'd love that."

As Alex led me toward the living area, I couldn't help but feel giddy with excitement. Not because of the fancy apartment or the expensive furniture, but because I was getting to spend an entire day with just Alex. No cameras, no scripts, no Pack politics. Just us.

The living room was even more impressive in daylight, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the space with golden morning light. But what really caught my attention was the massive built-in bookshelf that covered almost an entire wall.

"Impressive, right?" Alex said, following my gaze. "Shelves of books that you may not find that interesting, but I like having them around."

I moved closer to examine the collection, running my fingers along the spines. This wasn't just some decorator's idea of what books should look like in an Alpha's apartment. These were clearly read, with worn covers and careful annotations visible on some of the pages I could see. There were thick volumes on Pack management and leadership, histories of wolf communities dating back centuries, books on business strategy and negotiation, and an entire section devoted to the entertainment industry.

"Are you kidding?" I said, pulling out a leather-bound book on Alpha leadership techniques. "This stuff is fascinating. I should steal some of them sometimes."

Alex laughed. "They're yours to borrow anytime you want. Actually..." He moved beside me, scanning the shelves before pulling out a slim volume. "This one is perfect for teaching you how to do that - advanced emotional expression techniques for performers. And this one," he grabbed another book, "talks about how Omegas can use their natural empathy to enhance their acting. Could be useful for your career."

I took the books from him, touched by his thoughtfulness. "You really think about everything, don't you?"

"When it comes to you? Yeah, I do." His voice was soft, sincere. "Take them, keep them, whatever you want."

"I'll borrow them," I said firmly. "But I'm bringing them back when I'm done. These are too valuable to just take."

"Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart."

Alex's hand found the small of my back as he guided me toward the hallway. "Come on, let me show you the rest. There's the home theater - full surround sound, screen that'll make you forget you're not in an actual cinema. Guest rooms, study, and..." he paused, shooting me a playful look, "my personal gym and sauna."

"Your own gym?" I shook my head in amazement. "Of course you do."

"Wait until you see the pool," he said, leading me toward a set of glass doors I hadn't noticed before. "Best view of the city skyline you'll ever get."

As we walked through his home - our home, I corrected myself - I felt something settle into place. This wasn't just about the luxury or the incredible space. It was about Alex trusting me enough to share his private world, the place where he could truly be himself. And somehow, that felt more precious than anything else he could have given me.