Chapter 186
Elena's POV
Caleb gently cleaned between my legs with the warm water, his movements both intimate and respectful. My stomach clenched with emotion as he took care of me in this deeply personal way.
"Baby?"
"I... um, it feels good," I admitted, feeling both vulnerable and cherished.
"I'll always take care of you, baby. You're mine."
After cleaning up, I changed into fresh sleepwear and met him in the living area. Looking at him, my heart pounded wildly. I was completely in love with him. Our mate bond was complete, and I'd never been happier. We were soul-linked, stronger than ever.
"How did I get so lucky?" He pulled me close, his fingers brushing my cheek. "You're fucking perfect."
"We finally did it," I said, my voice full of satisfaction and joy.
"Was it worth the wait?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.
"Absolutely worth the wait." I smiled at him. "But I'm glad we've completed the bond now."
I carried his mark. I was officially his.
He led me into the kitchen, easily lifting me onto the counter. I enjoyed how he seemed unable to stop touching me. Nothing could stop us now. If we wanted to make love again, we could.
We didn't have to wait for the full moon anymore.
"What do you want to eat?" he asked, opening the fridge.
"Chocolate," I replied.
"Anything else?" He pulled out a bag of chocolate. "Can I make you a sandwich?"
I couldn't help but yawn, exhaustion from our intense bonding washing over me. Being with him was like a beautiful marathon—I loved every second, but my body definitely felt the effects.
"Tired, baby?" He noticed immediately, his eyes softening.
"No," I denied, but couldn't stop the smile on my face and another yawn escaping.
"Go to bed. I'll bring you the sandwich and chocolate," he said.
I hopped off the counter and headed toward the bedroom, feeling the pleasant ache in my muscles. I didn't even wait for the food—the moment I hit the pillow, I fell into deep sleep, my body demanding rest.
I woke sometime in the night, drenched in sweat, my clothes sticking to my skin. Caleb slept peacefully beside me, his arm protectively wrapped around my waist.
I carefully moved his arm, stripping off my sweat-soaked sleepwear and tossing it on the floor. I was too tired to bother with a shower. I gently placed his arm back around my waist, buried my head in the pillow, and closed my eyes.
Sleeping with him always made it easier to fall asleep. I couldn't explain the feeling, but I felt more in sync with him, more closely connected, as if our heartbeats had aligned.
I woke again to Caleb's deep voice. He sat upright in bed, phone in one hand, coffee in the other, discussing a company meeting with Hector.
I rolled onto my back, stretching my arms above my head, enjoying the warmth of sunlight streaming through the curtains onto the bed.
"Text me later. I gotta go," he said, ending the call and setting his phone on the nightstand.
"Hey."
"Baby," his gaze traveled down my body, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Are you naked under there?"
I glanced down, realizing the sheet had slipped to my waist.
"I'm completely naked," I replied with a blink. "It got too hot during the night."
"Let me see." He grinned.
"That'll cost you," I joked, pulling the sheet over my chest.
"I'm willing to pay top dollar for that view." He winked.
I rolled my eyes and sat up against the headboard, clutching the sheet. "Is everything okay?"
"Nothing for you to worry about," he said, his voice softening. "Want some coffee?"
I nodded, but then realized I needed to use the bathroom. Badly. The only problem was I was completely naked, and the room was filled with bright morning light. Last night's activities had taken place in darkness, driven by passion and instinct. Being naked in the morning light made me feel bashful.
"I need to use the bathroom first," I admitted, gripping the sheet tightly.
A knowing smile played at his lips. "I know." He reached for the edge of the sheet, his fingers brushing mine.
I pushed his strong arm away. "Stop it!"
"Baby, I've seen it all." His eyes sparkled with amusement and desire.
"I know," I sighed, feeling my cheeks heat. "But in daylight, it feels different."
He laughed, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "Alright. Come find me when you're ready."
His T-shirt from yesterday was draped over the chair. I pulled it on, the soft fabric falling to mid-thigh. His scent enveloped me.
I followed the smell of coffee to the kitchen where he stood at the stove, expertly flipping eggs. When I entered, he turned, and seeing me in his shirt, his eyes filled with adoration.
"Coffee's ready, eggs are almost done." His voice turned husky. "Damn. I forgot how good you look in my clothes."
I smiled, picking up the mug and sitting down. "I know." The coffee was perfect—strong, with just the right amount of cream and sugar. I took a long sip, watching him move around the kitchen.
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing everything in a warm glow. I felt different somehow, lighter. The weight I'd been carrying on my shoulders was gone, replaced by a sense of belonging I'd never experienced before.
I felt like a new person, but I was still me.
He turned and caught me watching him. Our eyes met.
"I hope you know how much I love you," he said suddenly.
"I know," I replied softly. "I love you more."
I started eating, surprised by my ravenous hunger. Every bite tasted better than anything I'd ever eaten.
He sat across from me.
"Elena."
"Mm?" I looked up, surprised to see a flush creeping up his neck. Was he serious? I set down my fork. I couldn't help but laugh.
I think this was the first time I'd seen him bashful.
"Last night... are you okay?" There was hesitation in his voice.
"Your cheeks are flushed," I pointed out, unable to hide my delight.
"Baby," he ran his hand through his hair, looking momentarily flustered. This might be the most endearing thing I'd ever seen—this powerful man, uncertain because he cared about my experience.
"You opened my eyes," I said honestly, setting down my fork. "You showed me what making love is. You showed me the pleasure of sex. Last night was amazing, and I wouldn't change a thing."
His face broke into a smile, that confidence fully returning. I didn't mind feeding his ego occasionally—especially when he deserved it.
"You know how amazing you are?" he asked, his eyes soft as they gazed at me.
I leaned forward, feeling bold and playful. "Was I good at sex?"
His laughter filled the kitchen, deep and genuine. "I love your confidence, baby." He reached across to hold my hand. "You were fucking incredible at sex."
After breakfast, I went to shower, the hot water soothing my pleasantly sore muscles. I was bleeding. It wasn't my period, I was sure of that. Last night's activities had left me somewhat sensitive.
I continued drying off, getting ready for the new day.