ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 33

Danielle never doubted Mark.

Even though they had wasted years with the wrong people, questioned the essence of love because of their painful past experiences, and denied the possibility that destiny itself was pushing them together, they still welcomed each other with their whole, healed hearts.

Kim Ari's presence was never a problem.

Though Danielle felt a small pang in her chest upon learning about their past, it didn't change the reality that Mark was hers—and that he would only ever choose her.

The alpha reassured her at every opportunity.

Every single day, Mark never let the sun set without whispering his sweet, loving affirmations. His "I love you" was never routine; it was a constant reminder of his devotion. He was the sweetest man, the only one who had ever given her such unwavering reassurances.

Was it because Ari was staying for the time being?

Was it because an unfamiliar omega was now under the same roof?

Danielle wasn't sure.

But the moment she spotted Mark standing alone on the veranda, she didn't hesitate. Without a second thought, she wrapped her arms around him from behind, inhaling the familiar, comforting scent that was uniquely his.

A smile curled on the alpha's lips as he felt his mate's presence. He turned in her embrace, placing his strong arms around her in return.

The night air was crisp, yet the warmth between them remained unshaken. The world outside could be chaotic, but in this moment, there was nothing but peace and contentment.

"I love you."

There it was again—his sudden confession.

Danielle heard it every day, yet it never failed to make her heart flutter. His words were not a demand, nor an obligation. They were soft, steady, and filled with conviction.

Mark was good at this—perfect, even.

How could Ari have ever hurt him? If Danielle had been there back then, she would have confronted her without hesitation.

"Are you cold?" Mark asked, rubbing her back gently.

"No, I just want hugs."

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head before pulling away slightly to look at her. "Are you sleepy then?"

"Kind of, but not too much. Haechan's already in the room, though."

"Your room again?"

Danielle laughed at the disappointment in his tone. "No, the guest room. He finally noticed that you're always grumpy every morning when you don't get to sleep beside me."

Mark gave a sheepish smile before leaning in to press a soft kiss against her lips, trailing down to the mark on her neck. Danielle giggled as he nipped at it, his feathery kisses sending shivers down her spine.

She felt his lips curve into a smile against her skin, and it made her smile too.

Danielle looped her arms around his neck while his face remained buried against her warmth, his arms resting firmly around her waist.