Chapter 233 Peaceful Moments

Chapter 233: Chapter 233 Peaceful Moments

_Rowena’s POV_

Darkness already covered by the time I finally opened my eyes.

When Alaric and I had arrived at the penthouse suite earlier that afternoon, sunlight had been streaming through the floor to ceiling windows. Now, It was late at night.

I shifted slightly against the sheets, feeling the pleasant ache in my muscles.

I sat up slowly, brushing my messy hair out of my face, and looked around the massive space. The penthouse was built like a luxury residence, just past the king sized bed and the lounging sofa, the floor plan opened up into a mini kitchen, complete with countertops and good LED lighting running beneath the cabinets.

The space beside me was empty, Alaric had left.

I swung my legs over the edge of the mattress and stood up. Scanning the room for my clothes, I spotted Alaric’s white button down shirt folded neatly on the nightstand. I picked it up, slipped my arms through the sleeves, and buttoned it up to my mid chest.

It was far too big for me, the hem falling past my thighs and smelling entirely of him.

A faint, mouth watering aroma wafted into my nostrils.

I padded barefoot toward the light of the mini kitchen. Standing in front of the island was Alaric.

He was completely shirtless, his broad shoulders and sculpted back muscles moving smoothly as he chopped fresh herbs on a cutting board. He was wearing nothing but a pair of low waisted grey sweatpants that rested loosely on his hips, revealing the muscular lines of his waist.

For a woman who usually prided herself on being stoic, aloof, and entirely unimpressed by physical things, I had to admit to myself, seeing the formidable Alpha King of the Ebonmoon Pack stripped of his formal attires and casually cooking in a pair of sweatpants was a ridiculously good view.

I leaned casually against the doorframe, crossing my arms over my chest, a small, unreadable smirk touching my lips.

"You know," I said, my voice slightly raspy from sleep, "most people order room service when they stay in a penthouse suite."

Alaric didn’t flinch, his wolf senses had undoubtedly tracked my footsteps the moment I stepped off the bed, but he didn’t turn around immediately. He carefully gathered the chopped herbs with the flat of his knife and scraped them into a pan on the stove.

"Room service takes forty five minutes," Alaric replied, his deep voice low in the room. "And I didn’t want to wait that long to feed my mate."

He set the knife down, wiped his hands on a clean towel, and finally turned around to face me.

His dark eyes swept over my frame, staying on the oversized white shirt clinging to my shoulders and my bare legs visible.

A possessive warmth flared up in his gaze, his lips curving into a satisfied smile.

"You look far better in my shirt than I do," He murmured, stepping around the island and walking straight toward me.

I stayed right where I was, my posture calm and relaxed, watching him close the distance. "I look better in everything. That isn’t news."

Alaric let out a chuckle, he reached out, wrapping his large hands gently around my waist, pulling me close until my chest was pressed against his skin. He leaned down, resting his forehead against mine, his thumbs stroking the sides of my hips through the shirt.

"How is your ankle feeling now?" he asked, his tone shifting into concern.

"It’s completely fine," I answered, leaning slightly into his touch. "Kyle’s treatment worked, and rest did the rest. Stop worrying."

Alaric’s jaw tightened slightly at the mention of the doctor’s name, but he managed to keep his temper in check. He tilted his head, brushing his lips gently against the side of my neck, sending a light shiver straight down my spine.

"I made garlic butter steak bite pasta," He murmured against my skin, "I figured you would appreciate carbs."

"You figure correctly," I admitted, "Feed me before I decide to bite you instead."

He grinned, giving my waist a playful squeeze before letting me go. He turned back to the stove, plating two portions of steaming pasta onto black dishes. He handed one bowl to me along with a fork, leading me over to the sofa near the window.

We sat down together, looking out at the city below.

I took a bite of the pasta, the flavor was incredible, savory, rich, and perfectly cooked.

"I am impressed, Alpha King," I noted casually, taking another bite. "If the whole ruling a territory thing doesn’t work out, you could easily open a five star restaurant."

"I only cook for one person," He stated plainly, taking a sip from a glass of water. "And she happens to be very hard to please."

"I am not hard to please," I argued, resting my elbow on the back of the sofa. "I just have exceptionally high standards. You should be flattered that you meet them."

Alaric looked at me, his eyes filled with such intense affection that it made my heart do a small flip inside my chest. He set his bowl down on the table, reached over, and pulled me into his side, wrapping one broad arm around my shoulder.

I didn’t resist. I leaned my head against his bare shoulder, letting him hold me for as long as he wanted.

I was a woman built on logic, numbers, and facts, but standing beside Alaric, I felt an unyielding sense of security that no barrier could ever build.

"Tomorrow morning, we go back to the battle," He said, his voice turning serious as he looked out at the city. "Gabriel and Ezekiel are finalizing the audit on the communication towers tonight. By noon tomorrow, we will have a list of every person who accessed Drake’s frequency."

"That’s wonderful then," I replied, "Because I am tired of waiting. Whoever Drake bought off is going to realize very quickly that coming after us was the biggest mistake of their life."

Alaric smiled, leaning down to press a kiss against the top of my head. “Yes, my woman."