Chapter 89

Victor begrudgingly sat up, rubbing his eyes. I stood between his legs and began to unbutton his shirt, he took of his watches as I did so. The room was a bit warm, and I hoped that taking a little nap would help him recharge fully.

As I unbuttoned his shirt, I noticed a flower tattoo that sprawled from his abdomen to his chest. It was a couple of black roses with red highlights, and it was absolutely beautiful. I couldn't resist running my fingers over it, wondering if it felt just the way it was.

“It's amazing,” I muttered softly, tracing the petals with my fingertips. It was really beautiful.

He smiled, watching me with a hint of amusement in his tired eyes. “I got it last night, You like it?”

“I love it,” I replied, still marveling at the artwork. As I looked closer, I noticed tiny letters in faded red inside each flower. They formed my name. I looked up at him, a mixture of surprise in my eyes.

Really...?..

Did he...?.

“Is this...?” I began, but my voice trailed off.

He nodded, his smile widening. "Yeah, it is. I thought I should have one of you.”

I almost burst into tears, oddly, as I leaned in to kiss him gently. “It's beautiful, Vee. Thank you.”

He shrugged, trying to play it cool, but I could see the grin in his eyes. “I'm glad you like it.”

I continued to trace the letters with my fingers, feeling a deep sense of connection.

This meant a lot to me

“I love it. Really” I whispered again, not taking my eyes away from the tattoo.

Eventually, when I realized how long we've been in that position and how he was slowly beginning to doze of, I stepped back and helped him shrug off his shirt completely. “You should rest,” I said gently. “You need it.”

He nodded, lying back down on the bed. “Stay with me?”

“Of course,” I replied, lying down beside him. I wrapped my arms around him, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine. It was comforting, and I could feel the tension leaving his body. “Until you fall asleep though, I want to see if there's anything I can help with outside”

“You're amazing, you know that?” He murmured, his voice heavy with the sleep.

“I know, you are too,” I replied, kissing his shoulder.

“And you look beautiful tonight,” He said drowsily.

“I know, you told me that a thousand times already,” I smiled as I watched him drift off.

When I was sure he wasn't going to wake up if I moved, I pulled the quilt up to his waist and took off his shoes.

Was he really that tired?

I'd never seen him this vulnerable before. Usually, when we slept together, he was always half-awake, alert to every single sound. He'd told me himself that he wasn't a deep sleeper and only truly shut down once in a while, after too much work or sleepless nights.

I sat down beside him, just watching his peaceful face. It was strange seeing him like this, so defenseless. The room was quiet, except for his steady breathing. I brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, wondering what had drained him so much this time.

As I thought about it, I remembered how he always put on a strong front, never showing weakness to anyone. But now, seeing him like this, it was clear he wasn't invincible. Everyone had their limits, and he had reached his.

I sighed and stood up, deciding to make sure he was as comfortable as possible. I unbuckled his belt, thinking the cool air might help him relax.

After that, my eyes caught the tattoo again.

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. I had no idea he had this tattoo. It was such a personal, intimate thing. Knowing he carried my name with him always, even in this hidden way, made me feel closer to him.

He stirred a little as I traced the letters again, but he didn't wake up. I finished simping over his broad chest and beautiful tattoo. Then I went to fetch a glass of water, just in case he woke up thirsty.

When I returned, he was still asleep, looking a little more relaxed. I placed the glass on the nightstand and sat back down beside him. Seeing him like this, so human and real, reminded me why I loved him.

Did he trust me that much to sleep without a care in the world?

I put his phone on silent and quietly slipped out of the room. As I descended the stairs, the music grew louder, pulsating through the building. Stepping outside, I was engulfed by the crowd, searching for Cecil amidst the sea of people. Eventually, I spotted her near the bar that I had pointed to her earlier when we arrived, she was engaged in conversation with the bartender I had also pointed out earlier. She was downing shots of what looked like vodka, her expression intense, the music was a bit too loud so I could barely what she was saying. I might know If I focused but, I had less interest.

Pushing my way through the throng, I finally reached her side. But instead of a warm cheery welcome and dirty talks I thought I was going to get, all I received was a glare. She hissed, grabbed her vodka bottle and shot glass before turning on her heel and heading back into the building, her steps hurried. Concerned, I followed closely behind, bombarding her with questions about what was wrong and if her search for a mate didn't gone as planned.

Even if it didn't, her response to it wasn't what I was expecting.

“Can you please fucking answer me? Did I do something wrong? What did I do” I slammed the door shut behind me and turned to see her glaring at me.

“When were you going to tell me about you as Alpha Victor”