The Mystical Attraction of Alpha
Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Chapter 48- The Ring

Ella

“Come in.” Sinclair’s voice sounds even deeper than usual, and I’m wondering if I’m imagining it. Iwaited as long as I could bear before coming to his rooms after replaceing some relief for all the pent upsexual tension he’s created in me. Still, I don’t feel nearly satisfied. My sex is still swollen and pulsingwith need, and I’m terrified that he’ll somehow be able to tell how erotically charged I am.

The larger problem, however, is that I’m exhausted. I’m desperate for some rest, especially aftermissing my usual afternoon nap amidst the preparations for the festival. As the pregnancy progresses Ican’t help but think how ironic it is that the closer I come to bringing a baby into the world, the morechildlike I seem to become: overly sensitive, constantly exhausted, picky about food, sick half the timeand struggling with bladder control. Last week I cried because I ate all of my snack and didn’t have anyleft! And now this… I can’t sleep by myself. I’m grumpy because I didn’t get tucked in by Sinclair, andcouldn’t fall asleep without him next to me. So I’ve abandoned my pride and now I’m actually going tohim so I can beg to crawl into his huge, comfy bed with him.

I poke my head inside, and fight back a whimper. His bedside lamp is on, and he’s propped up on hiselbows, looking expectantly in my direction with the same dark intensity he always reserves for me.He’s shirtless, his chiseled abs glowing in the lamplight, and his dark hair is tousled effortlessly. There’sa swath of scruff over his powerful jaw, and his green eyes are almost glowing in the dim light. It’s notfair for anyone to look that good, especially not when I’m already squeezing my legs together just torelieve the ache he planted with his kiss.

“Are you still up?” I ask inanely, apparently forgetting that he’s clearly awake and staring right at me.

“I am.” The corner of Sinclair’s mouth curves up, and I’m reminded of how soft and firm his lips hadbeen on mine. “Is everything okay?”

I slip the rest of the way inside, leaning back against the door until it clicks shut and staring at theground. “I can’t sleep.” I confess, wrapping my arms protectively around my body.

Sinclair sits up a little straighter, frowning with apparent concern. “I can give you a supplement.” Heoffers. “The doctor left some herbal remedies in case you needed them.”

My heart sinks. “No, I don’t want to take something that’s going to leave me groggy all day tomorrow.” Ireason, actually impressed with my ability to improvise an excuse so quickly.

“He assured me they wouldn’t have that effect.” Sinclair states simply, rising from the mattress andcoming forward, moving with the lethal grace of his wolf.

“Still, I haven’t ever tried anything like that. I might have a bad reaction.” I suggest lamely.

“Hmm, well we wouldn’t want that.” Sinclair murmurs, closing the final distance between us. “Why can’tyou sleep? Are you stressed? You look a bit flushed.” He’s stroking my cheek now, and for the first timeI have the sense that he might be wise to my arousal. Naturally this only makes me blush a deepershade of red. “And your pulse is awfully fast.”

“No, I just couldn’t fall asleep.” I shrug, feeling more frustrated by the second. Why doesn’t he justscoop me up and take me to bed the way he usually does?

Maybe because you told him you wanted to sleep alone and that you weren’t interested in his affection.The little voice in my head snipes, sounding even more bitter than I feel. You wanted him to respectyour wishes, didn’t you?

Oh put a sock in it. I think back – I swear my conscience has gotten more and more vocal since Ibecame pregnant, and she’s really not all that helpful at times like this.

“How about a midnight snack, or some ambient sounds.” Sinclair muses, still petting me.

I lean my cheek into his hand before I can realize what I’m doing. I shake my head pitifully, realizing afew things at once. First, Sinclair knows exactly what I want. Second, he’s taking no small amount ofpleasure in suggesting all the wrong solutions. Third, if I want to sleep with him, I’m going to have tocome out and ask for it.

As if he’s reading my mind, Sinclair says, “Just tell me what I can do to help, Ella. And I will.”

I sigh, fighting the sudden urge to stomp on his big giant foot and only holding back because Iremember how much it hurt the first time. My next thought is to turn my lips toward his palm and take achomp out of him. It’s incredibly tempting, but I have no idea where the impulse comes from. I’ve nevercontemplated – let alone wanted – to bite another person in my life.

Sinclair narrows his eyes, then smirks, tightening his hold on my cheek. “Don’t even think about it.” Hewarns, his rich voice full of foreboding – but also amusement, as if he thinks my bloodthirsty thoughtswere cute rather than bizarre and inappropriate.

My eyes widen. I’m both surprised that he sensed my intentions and annoyed that he forbade them. Ithonestly makes me want to bite him even more than ever, but I’m afraid that if I do he won’t let mesleep with him – and I need rest more than I need revenge. “Can I sleep with you?” I finally mutter,keeping my voice very low.

“Of course.” He agrees easily, finally gathering me in his arms bridal style. I snuggle in and lean mycheek against the hard plane of his chest.

I don’t know why, but I feel compelled to make an excuse for myself as he transfers me to the king-sized bed. “Thank you, I think the pup has a hard time settling without you.”

Sinclair hums softly, moving his big palm to my belly before I can even think about moving out of reach– not that running away would do me any good. His brow arches a moment later, and I suddenly feel

very vulnerable with him standing over me this way. “The pup is sleeping, Ella.”

“Oh.” I can’t seem to figure out anything else to say, and slide beneath the plush covers, turning myback to the intimidating Alpha. I wait for him to pull me close when he takes his place beside me, butfor once he lets me keep space between us. My frustration is quickly disintegrating into crankiness. Iknow he’s doing this on purpose!

Rolling onto my other side, I replace Sinclair watching me with one of those knowing looks of him. He’sexpectant, waiting for my next move. I glare at him, and he smiles back, extending an arm to me. Themessage is clear. I can have what I want, but I’m going to have to take it myself.

Grumbling under my breath, I sidle over the space until our bodies are flush together, and finallySinclair wraps his strong arms around me fully. I sigh with relief, and a shiver-inducing growl sounds inmy ear. “Would you like me to purr for you?”

“If you want to.” I answer, noncommittal. At first I think he’s going to make me ask for this too, but itseems I’ve paid my penance, a steady vibration takes up in his chest and I bury my face against hisshoulder, breathing in his addictive scent. The next thing I know, darkness closes in, and I’m fastasleep.

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The next night is day two of the Solstice Festival. Sinclair and I haven’t talked about any of yesterday’sevents, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t painfully aware of the man every time he’s near. I feel like Ihave some sort of sixth sense for knowing when he’s close by, and all the thoughts disappear from myhead every time he gives me one of those hungry stares.

We’re both dressed up again and preparing to leave the house, and though I know part of tonight’sevent involves delivering gifts around the city, I never dreamed that Sinclair would appear with another

present for me when I’ve given him nothing in return. Still, before we set out, he pulls me to a stop andoffers me another jewelry box.

“Don’t tell me I’m not finished again.” I joke, gesturing to my necklace. “I’m already wearing your lastgift.”

“I know.” He grins, “this is just a little something extra. I thought it was time we made it official.””

At his urging I lift the lid on the box, expecting to replace another pair of earrings, however it isn’t earringsat all. It’s a ring – one that steals the breath from my lungs. There’s a stunning silver band, with agleaming moonstone at its center, surrounded by tiny emeralds. It was unmistakable – an engagementring.