Chapter 49

Richard

"Coffee," she suddenly gasped, her voice so hoarse it was barely audible.

She had finally said the safe word. Fuck.

Michael and I quickly exchanged glances, immediately springing into action. My fingers deftly unbuckled the leather cuffs tied to the headboard, while Michael carefully supported her arms, helping them down.

A wave of protectiveness unlike anything I'd felt before surged through me. Damn, seeing her so vulnerable yet trusting us so completely made my heart race, my wolf howling inside me not from desire, but from an intense urge to possess and protect.

"Slowly, beautiful," Michael said softly, his voice gentle as he massaged her shoulders, helping the blood flow return to normal.

I examined her wrists carefully, looking for any signs of chafing or bruising. The padded cuffs had done their job, leaving only slight pressure marks that would disappear within hours. Nevertheless, I gently ran my thumbs over her soft skin, checking for any tenderness.

"You did fucking amazingly, little wolf girl," I told her, genuine pride filling my chest. Even experienced partners rarely endured the intensity she had just experienced, let alone a novice. "How do you feel?"

"Good, but exhausted," she whispered, her voice nearly breaking. "Like I ran a marathon." Despite her obvious fatigue, a satisfied smile played at the corners of her mouth.

My wolf growled with approval, seeing the trust and satisfaction in her eyes stirring something strange in the depths of my being. Damn, she was more perfect than I had imagined, every response, every gasp making me want to possess her more completely.

I grabbed an electrolyte drink from the mini-fridge built into the bedside table, which I had prepared in advance. Her first intense scene—hydration, aftercare products, comfortable clothing—I had planned every detail.

"Hey, little wolf, drink some of this," I urged, supporting her head, helping her take a few sips. "It will help replace what you've lost."

Throughout everything, Kevin had remained seated in the leather chair in the corner, his massive frame rigid with tension. He hadn't moved during the entire scene, just watching with those dark, incredibly intense eyes. Now, as Isabella drank, he finally stood and approached the bed. His tribal tattoos seemed to writhe with each movement, his jaw clenched tight.

Fuck, something's off with him.

"You okay, brother?" I asked quietly, noting the unusual tension in his shoulders and the way his fingers kept flexing at his sides.

Kevin merely nodded, his gaze never leaving Isabella. He extended a hand—those strong fingers capable of easily breaking bones—then surprisingly gently squeezed Isabella's hand before turning and walking out of the room without a word.

I could sense his inner struggle, even if he didn't express it. His wolf must have been pushed to the limit tonight, watching Michael and me possess Isabella without being able to directly participate. I understood his need to leave; Kevin always processed emotions in his own way.

The door closed softly behind him.

"Is he... angry?" Isabella asked, watching him leave with a slight frown.

"No," Michael answered, his voice reassuring. "Kevin processes intense emotions differently. He's impressed, not angry."

I knew it was more complicated than that. Kevin's control had been tested tonight, his primal wolf instincts pushing at the surface. Watching Isabella experience such intense pleasure without being able to directly participate was a special kind of torture for him. But Michael's explanation was simpler, kinder.

"How are you feeling, baby?" Michael asked Isabella, his hands continuing to gently massage her shoulders, his golden eyes professionally scanning her body for any signs of distress. "Do you need a doctor?"

"I'm fine," she answered, her voice stronger than before. "Just completely drained."

"That's entirely normal after experiencing this kind of intensity for the first time," Michael assured. "A good night's rest will help you recover." He paused, glancing at me before continuing, "We've agreed that Richard will take care of you tonight, but I can stay too if you'd prefer. Your choice is what matters most."

Her dark eyes found mine, something unspoken passing between us. "Thank you for the offer, but I think Richard alone will be enough."

This simple statement shouldn't have given me such intense satisfaction, but it did. My wolf preened at being chosen, a primitive response I couldn't entirely suppress flooding through me.

Michael nodded, immediately respecting her decision. He leaned down to place a chaste kiss on her forehead. "You were amazing tonight, Isabella. Truly." His eyes met mine over the top of her head, conveying a message I couldn't quite interpret, then he too left the room.

Now alone with Isabella, I sat beside her on the bed, continuing to stroke her hair as she finished the electrolyte drink. Her scent—sweat, arousal, and her unique Omega sweetness—filled my lungs with each breath, making my wolf growl with satisfaction. Seeing her marked by us, her skin bearing evidence of our dominance, awakened something wildly protective deep inside me.

Fuck, she was more perfect than any partner I'd ever had, every inch of her making me want to possess her, to incorporate her fully into my territory, to make her completely mine.

"Need more water?" I asked, keeping my voice gentle. "First scenes of this intensity can cause serious dehydration."

"No thank you," she replied, her eyes clearer now, though still heavy. "I'm feeling much better, just a little floaty."

"Wait here," I told her. "I'm going to prepare the bath. We need plenty of hot water to help your muscles relax."

I walked to the adjoining bathroom—a luxurious space specifically designed for aftercare. The spacious sunken tub easily accommodated two people, with built-in jets to soothe muscles. I turned on the faucets, adjusting the temperature to slightly above body heat—warm enough to soothe but not uncomfortable.

I selected strawberry-rose scented essential oils and mineral salts designed to ease muscle soreness, pouring them generously into the water. The fragrance immediately filled the steam-filled room, creating a soothing atmosphere. Everything had to be perfect for her aftercare.

Returning to the bedroom, I found Isabella still where I'd left her, looking small and vulnerable against the silver-gray sheets. Something tightened in my chest—a sensation I wasn't accustomed to experiencing.

My wolf was practically begging me to protect her, care for her, claim her as mine, damn, the feeling was so intense it almost made me dizzy.

I removed my jacket, unbuttoning my shirt to reveal the muscled torso beneath. Her eyes followed my movements, widening slightly as more skin was exposed. Without hesitation, I lifted her into my arms, cradling her against my chest. She weighed almost nothing, her curves fitting perfectly against me.

"What are you doing?" she asked, though she showed no resistance.

"Taking care of my mate," I answered simply, carrying her into the bathroom.

Damn, holding her felt so right, she fit in my arms as if she was born to be there. Her hair had the texture of silk, her skin smelled faintly sweet even after our intense scene.

Steam had already fogged the mirrors, creating a dreamlike atmosphere in the dim light. I carefully lowered Isabella into the water, watching her expression as she sighed with satisfaction when the warmth enveloped her body.

I removed my remaining clothes, aware of her gaze on me. Most women had obvious reactions of desire when first seeing me naked—some even appeared intimidated—but Isabella's gaze held simple appreciation and curiosity. No pretense, no performance. Just honest reaction.

Damn, that raw honesty excited my wolf even more, my arousal becoming immediately evident in the tub, but I controlled myself. Sliding into the bath behind her, I guided her to lean back against my chest, my legs encircling hers in the spacious tub. The warm water surrounded us, the oils making her skin silky under my touch.

"Lean forward a bit, little wolf girl," I instructed. "Let me reach your back."

She complied without hesitation, and I began massaging her shoulders and back with practiced movements. My fingers found every tense knot, working them loose with gentle but firm pressure. As I worked, I felt her gradually relax, small sighs of contentment escaping her lips.

My body naturally responded to her proximity, my cock hardening against her lower back. She tensed slightly, feeling it.