ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 29

A warm light hit Mark's face, making him scrunch his nose—a familiar golden ray of sunshine filtering through his eyelids, tinting his vision in soft hues of red. The warmth of the morning light seeped into his skin, a gentle contrast to the lingering exhaustion in his bones.

The first rush of energy coursed through his system, signaling the pull of consciousness, yet his body remained heavy, aching for more rest. The remnants of his rut still clung to him, a dull throbbing in his muscles, but the urgency had faded, leaving behind only comfort.

Mark buried his face deeper into the pillow, hoping that sleep would reclaim him, but then—a scent.

Honeysuckle.

It was faint yet intoxicating, lingering in the air like an unspoken promise. The moment it hit his senses, something inside him stirred awake, as if spring had bloomed within him. His body reacted before his mind caught up, and his eyes fluttered open.

Blinking against the brightness, he tugged the pillow down just enough to see the opened window, the curtains billowing with the breeze. The fresh air carried her scent through the room, weaving around him like a soft embrace.

Mark squinted as the sunlight poured in, forcing him to roll over to the other side—and that was when he saw her.

She wasn't the sun, but she was just as blindingly beautiful.

Danielle was moving around the room, diligently tidying up. She wore one of his shirts, the oversized fabric draping over her frame like an ill-fitted dress. The sight made warmth spread through his chest, a slow burn of adoration and possession.

His omega.

A lazy smile tugged at his lips, but before he could say anything, she turned—her gaze meeting his.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Mark's eyes softened as he took her in, the fondness in his expression unmistakable. Danielle, on the other hand, blinked in surprise before her cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink. She quickly looked away, pretending to focus on organizing the items on his bedside table.

But Mark never looked away.

His gaze followed her every movement, unwavering, until she finally finished her task. When she glanced at him again, his smile widened.

He lifted a hand slightly, gesturing her to come closer. Danielle sighed, rolling her eyes but unable to fight the small smile tugging at her lips as she climbed back onto the bed.

"How're you feeling?" Mark's voice was hoarse with sleep, low and warm.

"I should be the one asking that," she replied, raising a brow.

"I want to know yours first."

She huffed lightly. "I'm good, Mark."

"Really?" he hummed, opening his arms. "Can I have a hug then?"

Danielle ignored the heat rising to her cheeks and moved into his embrace, settling against his chest. His warmth was no longer burning hot, his pheromones calm yet still overwhelming enough to scent her immediately.

Mark pressed a kiss to the crown of her head, nuzzling into her hair with a content sigh.

"Good morning. I love you," he murmured, his voice laced with such tenderness that it sent a shiver down her spine.