Chapter 392: Alpha’s Sneaky Visit (I)
Draven:
The house had gone quiet long ago.
I could hear nothing but the faint sound of pages turning in Kieran’s room next to mine and the soft whistle of the night wind pressing against the windows.
Everyone had retired to their bedrooms... finally.
Eva’s room was just down the hall.
And tonight... tonight was supposed to be one of those nights when she slept alone.
But the thought of her being there, alone in that soft golden light, with our son breathing gently in his crib... it clawed at my chest until I could no longer stay put.
I told myself I would just check on them. That was the excuse. The truth was simpler and far more dangerous.
I missed her. I missed both of them.
Every part of me did.
And I had spent half the evening listening to Kieran’s lecture about how it was forbidden to leave the Academy midweek - that I could have jeopardized my attendance, my rank, my "reputation as a model student."
As if I cared about any of that.
He didn’t understand... or maybe he did, and that was why he scolded me so fiercely. Because he knew what it meant to crave someone so much that rules blurred into nonsense.
I waited. Thirty minutes after the lights went out. Thirty minutes of pacing the length of my room and staring at the clock until I finally couldn’t take it anymore.
When I reached her door, I hesitated only for a moment. Then I knocked softly.
The sound seemed far too loud in the stillness.
The door opened a crack, and her beautiful face appeared, hair falling loosely around her shoulders. Her eyes widened when she saw me... confusion flickering across her face.
"Draven?" she whispered, blinking. "What are you-"
Before she could finish, I stepped inside, closing the door behind me as quietly as I could.
She looked adorably startled, still wearing one of those light night robes that barely reached her knees. The sight of her - soft, warm, and entirely unguarded - nearly undid the restraint I had left.
"Shh," I murmured. "You’ll wake him."
Her gaze darted toward the crib, where little Lioren was fast asleep. His tiny hands were curled beside his cheek, the soft rise and fall of his chest so peaceful that it made my throat tighten.
A strange warmth spread through me - pride, awe, something deeper I didn’t have words for. That was our pup. Our family.
And yet, looking at him also made a mischievous part of me sigh because it meant I couldn’t hold him tonight. Couldn’t toss him in the air or hear his sweet giggles.
Eva followed my gaze, then turned back to me. "You shouldn’t be here, Draven. It’s the night for me to have some alone time-"
"Exactly why I am here," I interrupted, a small grin pulling at my lips. "Because I couldn’t wait till my turn."
She sighed softly, crossing her arms in that way that only made me want to unwrap her. "You’ll get in trouble with your brothers tomorrow."
I shrugged. "Wouldn’t be the first time."
There it was - that faint smile she tried to hide. The one that reached her eyes no matter how hard she tried to stay stern.
I took a step closer. She didn’t move away.
And just like that, I felt my pulse quicken.
For a long moment, we said nothing. I only looked at her... really looked. The faint moonlight painted her skin in silver hues, the soft rhythm of her breathing syncing with mine. There was a quiet intimacy in the air, heavy and tender all at once.
"I missed you," I said quietly.
Her lips parted, a small exhale escaping. "You saw me just an hour ago, Draven."
"That’s an hour too long."
I reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from her cheek. My fingers grazed her skin, and I swore I felt sparks run down my arm.
She didn’t stop me. Didn’t tell me to leave.
And that was all the permission I needed.
I leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wanted... but she didn’t. When my forehead touched hers, she let out the faintest sigh, one that felt like an answer.
Her scent - wildflower and warmth - filled my head, erasing every ounce of restraint.
My lips brushed hers, just barely. Soft at first, testing, then firmer when I felt her respond. The world narrowed down to that single, perfect connection - her warmth, her taste, the way her fingers instinctively curled against my chest as if to hold on.
The kiss deepened, and I could feel her heartbeat matching mine.
Every breath, every brush of her lips against mine sent heat spiraling through me. It wasn’t just desire, though there was plenty of that, it was need. The kind that rooted deep, the kind that said, this is where I belong.
When I finally pulled back, she was looking up at me with dazed eyes and slightly parted lips.
Her voice came out soft. "You always do this."
"Do what?" I asked, smiling faintly.
"Make it hard to think straight."
"That’s the point."
She rolled her eyes but didn’t move away when I cupped her cheek.
"I’m serious," she murmured, though her voice had softened. "If they found out - which they will - that you are here, you will be regretting your decision."
"You are wrong. I’ll never regret choosing you over anything or anyone."
Her breath caught. And for a moment, all the teasing drained away, leaving only truth.
"I just wanted to see you," I admitted. "To make sure you are okay. You have been working hard these days. You also had your first lesson on your powers today... and you did great in it."
Her lips curved slightly. "What else did Kieran tell you?"
"He also said you thought the lesson was too easy."
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Did he tell you what happened after?"
I grinned. "No. But judging by your expression, I would say it was that point he decided to make the lesson practical."
She nodded her head, laughing softly. "You are right. But I still passed with flying colors."
I chuckled quietly, imagining the sight. "That’s my mate."