ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 41

One look, and they knew what was on the other's mind.

One touch, and they knew what the other wanted.

One smile, and they knew that they'd made it.

Danielle giggled softly as Mark pressed their foreheads together, nuzzling their noses before placing a tender kiss at the tip of hers. His arms encircled her waist protectively, while her hands tangled around his nape, fingers threading through his hair.

It was in the little things—the random, hushed conversations, the stolen glances, the unfiltered laughter that followed their inside jokes. These were the moments that made them feel alive, made them feel whole.

Danielle tiptoed, seeking his lips, and Mark instinctively tightened his grip on her waist, lifting her slightly so she wouldn't have to strain. It had been too long since they'd shared this closeness, too long since they had indulged in the intoxication of each other's presence.

Mark nipped at her lower lip, earning a soft gasp from Danielle as she parted her lips, inviting him in. The moment his tongue met hers, he groaned in satisfaction, savoring the familiar, addictive taste of his mate.

The tension escalated, their need for each other growing unbearable until they found themselves tangled in the sheets, skin against skin.

Yet, Mark surprised her. He wasn't rushed or desperate. Instead, he was gentle, savoring every moment, every touch, every sound she made. It was slow and deliberate, each movement an unspoken vow, an assurance that this—what they had—was irreplaceable. Danielle responded with the same tenderness, mirroring his pace as they whispered their love for each other in between gasps and kisses.

When they finally reached their climax, it wasn't just physical—it was emotional, soul-binding, an affirmation of everything they had endured and everything they still were.

As their breathing steadied, Danielle chuckled softly against his bare chest, tracing lazy circles on his skin.

"Somehow, I forgot that Gi's here."

Mark groaned in realization. "The walls are thick, right?"

Danielle grinned. "Hopefully."

Mark smirked, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Though, let's be honest. Gi probably expected this."

Danielle gasped, smacking his chest playfully. "Oh no! She always notices things so easily!"

He laughed, pulling her closer. "It's fine. Gi's good. As long as we're good now?"

Danielle softened, cupping his face as she pecked his lips. "I love you."

Mark smiled, pressing his forehead to hers. "I love you more."

A loud knock interrupted the moment, making them both snap toward the door.

"I know you can hear me! Pack it up, lovers; they're here!" Giselle's voice rang through.

Mark exhaled, rubbing his face. "Ah, we don't have to be awkward, right?"

Danielle chuckled, shaking her head. "Silly, why would we? It's in the past now. I trust you, Mark. Now, let's fix up; we shouldn't let them wait."

Before she could move, Mark swiftly wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her back onto the bed, making her stumble onto him. They burst into laughter at their antics.

Mark took the opportunity to press soft kisses against the faint mating mark on her neck, inhaling deeply. Her scent grounded him, reminded him of home.

Danielle wriggled free when she saw an opening, pecking his cheek and lips before finally standing up to get dressed.

___

"We were expecting you both to visit us. You never did," Claude frowned as she sat down, arms crossed.

Mark chuckled as he hugged her. "It's the finals, Mom. Also, training, remember?"

Claude sighed, patting his back. "You've had it hard. It's fine, you can take a break after this month. You're already doing well."

Meanwhile, Irene approached Danielle with open arms. "How are you, sweetheart?"

Danielle returned the embrace, smiling. "I think I'm doing good."

Irene pulled back slightly, eyes narrowing. "You think? Are you having any problems? School? Your relationship?"

Danielle chuckled, shaking her head. "All is well, Mom. Don't worry. School's hard, yes, but with Mark—thankfully, we're still as addicted to each other as ever."

"Silly," Irene laughed, squeezing her hands. "Ah, I'll be in Milan for two weeks. It's about time I use your measurements for some designs, right?"

Danielle snorted. "Do you really need to ask?"

Irene smirked. "And Mark's?"

Danielle blinked. "Hmm? Mark's measurements?"

"I think it's better to have some couple designs," Irene mused. "My daughter has a perfect-looking mate, so I'll take advantage of it."

Danielle laughed. "I'm sure Mark would fit the designs so well."

"Fit what?" Mark approached, wrapping a loose arm around Danielle's  waist.

"Mom's going to Milan. She said she'd use our measurements for some designs," Danielle explained.

Mark grinned. "Really? It'd be an honor."

Irene playfully raised a brow. "Promise me you'll wear them after."

Mark smirked. "Make them very, very pretty, Mom."

Irene chuckled. "Of course. I expect to see you two wearing them."

Mark turned to Danielle. "Still not hungry?"

Danielle pouted. "I am. I saw cake on the table."

Irene sighed. "Better eat now, you two. Giselle said you haven't been eating well. Takeout isn't healthy when eaten daily."

Danielle raised a brow at Mark as they stepped away. "You're always eating takeout?"

Mark rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Just sometimes."

"Mhm," Danielle narrowed her eyes. "I won't take that smile seriously."

"No, listen, I still eat healthy!"

Danielle silenced him with a quick kiss, grinning against his lips.

Mark could only shake his head, sighing in amusement as he followed her toward the dining area where their family was waiting.