Chapter 164 Dinner and Disruptions

Chapter 164 Dinner and Disruptions
Amelia's POV

I felt heat rush to my cheeks, unable to meet Alexander's intense gaze any longer. No matter how many times he said such things, I still wasn't used to it—to being wanted so completely by someone like him.

"You're blushing," Alexander observed, his finger still under my chin.

I swatted his hand away and took a step back, needing some breathing space. "Go change your clothes. I'm hungry."

His lips curved into that infuriating smirk I both hated and loved. "Why are you still so shy around me? After everything we've done..."

"Alex!" I hissed, feeling my face burn hotter.

He laughed—a deep, rich sound that made my stomach flutter. "Fine, fine. I'll go change."

I watched him walk away, his confident stride and broad shoulders a reminder of the power contained in his body. The same body that had taken my virginity at Azure Lake.

I caught myself touching my lips, still feeling the ghost of his kiss from earlier. My skin seemed hypersensitive, as if my body was already anticipating his return, his touch. I shook my head, trying to focus on dinner instead of the heat pooling low in my abdomen.

As I passed the hallway mirror, I noticed a flash of movement—Iris quickly stepping into a side room. Her eyes had been watching, calculating. I pretended not to notice, but made a mental note of it. Elaine's new staff seemed to have eyes everywhere these days.

God, I was turning into such a sap. But I couldn't help it—not when everything I'd ever wanted was finally within reach.

As soon as Alexander disappeared upstairs, I headed to the dining room. A tall maid was setting the table.

"I'll do that," I said, reaching for the plates she held.

She looked startled. "But Miss, it's my job—"

"Please," I insisted, taking the dishes from her reluctant hands. "I want to do this myself."

After some hesitation, she nodded and backed away. "As you wish, Miss."

I caught her exchanging a meaningful glance with Iris, who had appeared in the doorway. She disappeared before I could say anything.

I carefully arranged everything, making sure it was perfect. I was plating the food I'd prepared earlier when Alexander returned, dressed in casual clothes that still somehow looked expensive on him.

"What's got you so happy?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe.

The sight of him made my breath catch. His hair was still damp from a quick shower, and he'd chosen a simple black t-shirt that clung to his chest in ways that made my fingers itch to touch him again.

I hadn't even realized I was smiling. "Nothing. Just... this." I gestured vaguely around us.

Alexander approached, his eyes never leaving mine. Instead of sitting down, I pulled out his chair for him with an exaggerated bow.

"Your dinner awaits, Head Alpha."

He raised an eyebrow but played along, taking his seat. "How very formal."

I served him first, spooning a generous portion onto his plate before serving myself and sitting across from him. I watched anxiously as he took his first bite.

His eyes widened slightly, and he paused, looking down at the plate with newfound interest. He took another bite, slower this time, as if analyzing the flavors.

"This is good," he said, sounding mildly surprised. "You made this?"

I beamed at the compliment. "Of course I did. You think I'd serve you something I didn't make myself?"

"Hmm." Alexander continued eating, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "The spices are... unexpected. Bold. Like you."

My heart fluttered at the comparison. I'd spent hours researching the recipe, wanting to impress him without making it obvious I was trying to.

"It's just something simple I threw together," I lied, trying to sound casual while secretly thrilled by his approval.

"Simple?" He took another bite, closing his eyes briefly as he savored it. "There's nothing simple about this, Amelia. You continue to surprise me."

Alexander continued eating, and I took that as approval.

We ate in comfortable silence for a while. It felt strangely domestic, like a glimpse into what our future might hold. Just the two of us, sharing a meal at the end of the day. No pack politics, no threats, no complications—just us.

When we finished, Alexander leaned back in his chair. "Stay tonight."

I glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's getting late. My mom will be waiting up."

"Then call her," Alexander said, his tone making it clear this wasn't really a suggestion. "Tell her you're at Isabelle's."

"Isabelle and Wesley said they'd go on a vacation." I countered, though the idea of staying was tempting.

Alexander shrugged. "Your mother doesn't know that."

I bit my lip, weighing my options. "She's been through a lot. I don't want to worry her."

"Call her," Alexander repeated, softer this time. "She'll understand you wanting to spend time with friends."

After a moment's hesitation, I pulled out my phone. Mom answered on the second ring.

"Hey, Mom," I said, trying to sound casual. "I'm at Isabelle's. We're having a girls' night, so I might stay over. Is that okay?"

There was a pause on the other end. "That's fine, honey. Have fun and be safe."

"I will. Love you."

"Love you too."

I hung up, guilt gnawing at my stomach. I hated lying to her, but the thought of spending another night with Alexander was too appealing to resist.

"Happy now?" I asked, putting my phone away.

Alexander's smile was slow and predatory. "Very."

Before I could mention it, Alexander was out of his chair and lifting me into his arms. I yelped in surprise, automatically wrapping my arms around his neck.

"What are you doing?"

"It's been a week since I've had you in my bed," he growled, already carrying me toward the stairs. "I'm finding it difficult to control myself."

My body responded instantly to his words, a rush of heat flooding through me. "You're impossible."

"And you love it."

I couldn't deny that, so I didn't try.

In his bedroom, Alexander was both gentle and demanding, his hands and mouth exploring my body like he was mapping territory he already knew by heart. I lost myself in him completely, in the way he made me feel both protected and desired.

Later, as we lay tangled in his sheets, my head resting on his chest, I listened to the steady beat of his heart. His arm was wrapped around me, holding me close against him.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, his voice a low rumble beneath my ear.

I traced patterns on his skin with my fingertip. "How different things are now."

"Better?"

"Much better," I admitted.

Alexander's chest rose and fell with his deep breathing, and I felt myself growing drowsy, lulled by his warmth and the security of his embrace. For once, I allowed myself to fall asleep without worry, knowing he would keep me safe through the night.

I woke to the sound of loud, insistent knocking. Disoriented, I blinked at the sunlight streaming through the windows. Alexander was already sitting up beside me, his expression dark.

"Head Alpha?" Iris's voice called through the door. "Mrs. Westbrook is here. She's requesting you come downstairs immediately."

Alexander ran a hand through his tousled hair. "Tell her I'll be down when I'm ready."

"I tried to tell her you were occupied, sir, but she's quite... insistent."

As if to prove Iris's point, Elaine's voice suddenly echoed from downstairs, sharp and commanding.

"ALEXANDER! You get down here right now!"