Chapter 83 83
The next morning, Sofía woke with a low groan.
Her head felt weighted, her limbs heavy, as though she had been run over and pieced back together again. She shifted slightly, eyes still closed but the tender ache between her thighs made them fly open.
Memory rushed in.
Heat flooded her cheeks as every slow, intoxicating moment from the night before replayed in vivid detail.
He had confessed.
Even now, it felt unreal.
Last night had been the most unforgettable night of her life. He had been attentive and fierce, gentle and overwhelming all at once.
Her fingers traced the arm draped possessively around her waist, and she turned carefully to face him.
He was still asleep.
The calm satisfaction on his face made her chest tighten in bliss. He looked peaceful… fulfilled.
Her heart swelled.
All the fears she once harbored about him now seemed foolish. Fernando was nothing like the cold image she had built in her mind. If anything, he was better than most men she had ever known.
And she had tried to push him away.
When he had been exactly what she needed.
My mate.
She smiled to herself at the thought. She was starting to think like one of them now.
With a quiet sigh, she leaned forward and brushed a soft kiss against his neck—then quickly retreated, hoping he hadn’t noticed.
“If this is how you plan to wake me every morning,” he murmured in his deep, sleep-roughened voice, “I might start looking forward to it.”
Her stomach fluttered wildly. She buried her face against his chest, mortified, while his quiet chuckle vibrated beneath her ear, sending shivers through her.
A moment later, he slipped out of bed.
She whined softly at the sudden loss of his warmth.
Completely unbothered by his state of undress, he strode toward the bathroom, making her gasp and quickly avert her eyes out of instinct.
The sound of running water filled the room.
She snuggled deeper beneath the blankets, hugging his pillow close and inhaling his lingering scent.
A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened.
Her gaze snapped up.
Her breath stalled.
He stood there wrapped only in a towel, damp hair pushed back, water still glistening along his skin. Her mark tingled sharply at the sight of him.
He moved toward her with slow confidence, and she instinctively pulled the comforter up to her chest.
A knowing smirk tugged at his lips.
Without warning, he slipped his arms around her and lifted her effortlessly. She tried to drag the duvet along with her, but one low warning growl had her abandoning it immediately and curling into him instead.
He carried her into the bathroom.
Steam curled softly in the air, and she noticed the bath already prepared.
Her heart melted.
Carefully, he lowered her into the warm water before crouching beside the tub. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers grazing her cheek before he pressed a gentle kiss there.
She looked down shyly, a soft glow lighting her features.
Last night had been magical for him too she could see it in the way he watched her.
“I know you’re sore, baby,” he said quietly. “Take your time.”
He kissed her forehead once more, his gaze lingering heatedly before he stood and left her to bathe in peace.
She sank deeper into the warm water, letting it soothe the lingering ache in her muscles. Slowly, her body began to relax.
Afterward, she dressed in a loose, knee-length dress soft and comfortable.
It was still early, so she decided to explore.
Stepping out of the room, she found herself in a long, elegant corridor that led toward a grand staircase. As she descended, her eyes widened.
The place looked less like a house and more like a luxurious mansion. Marble floors. High ceilings. Expensive décor.
What exactly did Fernando do?
Curiosity simmered inside her.
She reached the large lounge and noticed an enormous dining table that could seat more than twenty people. Heading toward what she assumed was the kitchen, she halted abruptly.
A gasp slipped from her lips.
Corinne was pressed against the wall, a man kissing her with unrestrained intensity.
Sofía quickly turned to leave but Corinne spotted her and shoved the man back.
He groaned in protest.
“Sofía!” Corinne squealed, rushing forward and wrapping her in a tight hug.
Sofía hugged her back, glancing shyly at the man she recognized Ricardo, whom she had seen with Fernando before. He straightened himself and offered her a polite, slightly embarrassed smile.
His cheeks were faintly pink.
The intimidating man was blushing.
Corinne grabbed Ricardo’s arm and pulled him forward. “Sofía, this is Ricardo my mate.”
Sofía’s eyes widened in realization, forming a small “o” with her lips. Their amused laughter only deepened her blush.
“And he’s also our pack’s Beta,” Corinne added proudly. “Fernando’s right-hand man.”
Understanding dawned on Sofía’s face.
She glanced around and noticed a large, immaculate kitchen where several maids were preparing breakfast. They greeted her warmly, and she returned their smiles.
“I’m starving. How much longer, Delphine?” a familiar voice called.
A well-dressed man in a suit entered, looking composed and sharp.
She recognized him the one who had escorted the pastor away last night.
“This handsome specimen,” Corinne announced dramatically, “is Étienne. Our Gamma. Fernando’s left-hand man.”
Sofía smiled politely. Étienne nodded respectfully before addressing Ricardo.
“Alpha wants us.”
The two men left.
Corinne grabbed Sofía’s hand and pulled her toward the lounge, flopping onto a sofa and tugging Sofía down beside her.
Suddenly, Corinne gasped and covered her mouth before lunging into another bone-crushing hug.
“Congratulations!” she squealed.
“For what?” Sofía asked, bewildered.
“For officially saying goodbye to your virginity!” Corinne declared cheerfully.
Sofía immediately clapped a hand over Corinne’s mouth, eyes wide with horror.
Corinne pried her hand away, laughing at her deep crimson face.
“H-how do you even?”
“Sweetheart, you’re walking carefully, your face is glowing, and you got married at two in the morning,” Corinne teased. “I can put two and two together.”
Sofía looked away, mortified, while Corinne’s laughter echoed warmly through the room.