Her Nature

|Chapter 23|

It burned. My chest was on fire.

When I opened my eyes, I almost forgot Luciano slept with me last night. He had somehow shifted down my body. He was still between my legs that were wrapped around him, but his head was snuggled in my chest. I felt the gentle heat of his breathing fan over my boobs.

His hand was on my ass and my core throbbed on the ridges of his washboard abs. I was surprised to find my hands tangled in his hair, holding his head to me. I felt so at ease in the position until the guilt chewed me up. He's not mine.

But it burned.

I untangled from him and slipped into the bathroom. I could hear him groan and reach for a pillow. Ripping the sweater off, I watched mesmerized as the magnifying glass mark from my last dream revealed itself. It looked exactly the same as the dream, deep red and almost translucent.

The burn died away and the chain of red solidified on my chest. I traced it with my finger, so very confused but awestruck.

Stepping back into the bedroom with my sweater on, I gazed at the model before me. He held the pillow to his side and laid on his back. And he said I move too much, I rolled my eyes.

A small white square at the foot of the door caught my attention. Unfolding it, it read:

Alpha, I know you haven't slept since we closed the doors so catch up on what you need. I lead the workout this morning and the rest of the day is covered until dinner.
-L

I'm guessing Lyle wrote this. That was sweet of him to take care of Luciano's things for the day. I stashed it on the dresser for him to read when he wakes up so he doesn't freak out.

I put on my real clothes, my second to last pair, and walked back to the bedside. My fingers stroked his cheek and he sighed. I smoothed the knot between his brows and his frown fell away. My heart ached at the image before me, carrying anger on your back all day is exhausting. Sneaking out of the room, I went to check on Nina and Wren. The lunch sandwiches were already out on the table so I took a few.

Bagging two for Luciano, I ate the third on my way to the room. Nina was sitting on the bed cooing to her pup when Will invited me in. "Hey Nina, how are you feeling?" I smiled.

She beamed at me, eyes sparkling with love, "Amazing."

"And little Wren?" I questioned.

"Even better," Will winked. Through their enthusiasm, I picked up on their exhaustion. Nina was glowing, cheeks stained rosy red and clear skin. But below her eyes were dark bags. They need sleep just as much Luciano did.

"I am here to offer you guys a once in a lifetime chance," I grinned over dramatically when they looked at me signaling me to continue. "Would you like me to watch your precious Wren for the day so you guys can catch up on sleep and have some alone time." I wiggled my eyebrows.

"Oh yes." Will answered the same time Nina questioned, "Are you sure?"

Laughter fell from my lips at Will's instant enthusiasm. "Yes I'm sure, she'll be safe with me."

"Thank you, thank you so much Aura. Yes, we say yes." Will didn't even give Nina the chance to answer but as he carefully pushed Wren into my arms, I knew she was okay with it. She smacked his arm playfully and he smothered her face with kisses.

She fell back onto the bed giggling hysterically and I took the chance to slowly back out of the room. "Enjoy!" I yelled in which they responded with a deep chuckle and a squeak.

Looking down, Wren was staring at me through glassy eyes and long lashes. "Hello there." My baby voice bubbled out before I could stop it. I made my way back to the room with Wren in my arms. Luciano was still asleep, now on his stomach but still clutching the pillow. I'll let him sleep a little longer.