Personal Assistant to the Alpha (Book 9 of the Regal Eclipse Pack Series)

Chapter 25

Malachi didn't realize he'd drifted off, but apparently he had at some point. He hadn't been sleeping well at night, which he found rather annoying, but he realized it was because Cassidy wasn't with him. Not that he was really tired during the day, but he'd slept better during his short nap than he had in two weeks. The only good thing was that she was always there in his dreams, waiting for him. He'd mated her every night, though all that did was make him want her more.

The feel of Cassidy's hand on his bare abs was one of the first things he'd registered. He could understand why. The skin to skin contact was probably more of what she needed, but he hadn't wanted to push it with her. This was already the most intimate they'd been with each other, even though nothing had happened between them. He wondered if she'd put her hand there in her sleep. He pulled his shirt up a bit and placed his hand over hers, enjoying the tingles from her touch. If he'd really been thinking about it, he wouldn't have bothered with a shirt, so she could sleep on his bare chest. It wasn't like she hadn't seen it already, though she hadn't touched it.

His gaze darted up to the clock on the bedside table and his eyes widened when he saw how late it was. They'd definitely skipped lunch and were approaching dinner. He wondered if she'd want to eat. She needed to. He'd make sure of it. He was starving himself.

They'd have to go back to her place at some point too so she could have some clothes. After this, he might talk her into spending the night with him. Either here or there. He didn't care, though his bed was bigger than hers. It would be easier on her if they were together, though he wasn't sure if she realized that. Not yet anyway. He wasn't sure of much of anything today with her. She'd been very quiet, the most she'd ever been around him, but he couldn't blame her.

She'd need him at least tonight, and maybe if she stayed one night in his bed, she'd be more open to spending more nights there. Then he could sleep better and not worry about her being in her apartment by herself.

She moved suddenly, stretching a bit, pushing her body against his, as she did so. "Malachi?" Her voice was soft from sleep, her southern accent a bit thicker. He loved the way she said his name with that accent of hers.

"Hmmm?"

"You're awake," she murmured.

"So are you," he said with a bit of a chuckle.

"I'm sorry about all of this. I've completely wasted your day," she said.

Her hand was still under his, and he closed his own around hers, squeezing it gently. "Mm no, I disagree with that. I actually got some decent sleep for once," he told her, kissing her forehead.

"You don't sleep well?" He could hear the concern.

"It's.. it's a mate thing. Werewolves tend to not rest as well without their mates by their side, so having you with me helped me get a few hours of restful sleep," he said quietly.

She moved a bit so she could look up at him. "Is that why I haven't slept well since I've met you? Even though I'm not a werewolf?"

He smiled. "Yeah. And why you dream about me."

She looked surprised that he knew that, though he remembered her asking him if he was in her dreams. That was one thing he would like to be able to do. He had a feeling he'd mated her in her dreams.

"Do you dream about me?" she asked him.

"Oh yeah," he said with a chuckle and watched her face turn bright red. Apparently he had mated her, and she was probably wondering if his dreams were just as erotic as her own.

"This thing between us is.. interesting," she mumbled, her cheeks still a lovely shade of pink.

"It's why I've chosen to come back here and be alone with you. You needed the comfort," he said softly.