Chapter 348: In my Arms Louis's POV "So, you're really with Olivia," Lennox said. His tone caughtoff guard. It wasn't sharp, not the furious edge I had prepared myself for. Instead, it was calm, almost resigned.
I had braced for his anger—for him to lash out, accuseof lying, of sneaking behind their backs while everything else was falling apart. But instead, all I heard was the faint sigh that slipped through the link.
"You should have just said it," he muttered.
I exhaled, rubbing a hand over my face. "I didn't want things to get awkward." Lennox scoffed lightly, not angrily —just matter-of-fact. "Con, Louis. She's also your mate. That doesn't matter. Not to me." His words hitin a way I hadn't expected. I sank deeper against the bedframe, glancing down at Olivia sleeping soundly against my chest. The knot in my stomach loosened just a little.
"So... what now?" I asked after a moment, uncertain.
"Don't worry," Lennox said, his tone collected, the edge of command slipping in the way it always did when he took charge. "Just stay with Olivia. At least she needs one of us right now. I'll tell Calvin she went on a trip with you. He'll back off if he thinks she's safe." I nodded instinctively, even though he couldn't see me. "Okay." That was Lennox-always quick to find a solution, even in the messiest situations. He didn't dwell, didn't overcomplicate. While Levi would've pressedwith a hundred questions, Lennox had already decided the path forward. That quality of his-steady, decisive-was something I had always admired, even if I never admitted it to his face.
I glanced down at Olivia again, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She shifted slightly, sighing softly in her sleep, her arms curling tighter aroundas though she knew, deep down, she was safe.
"Tellif anything goes wrong," I said to Lennox.
"Don't worry... just have fun." With that, Lennox ended the mind link.
I inhaled deeply, pressing a kiss to Olivia's head. She was still fast asleep. It seemed our play last night had drained every bit of strength from her.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Mine." My wolf howled possessively inside me.
I sighed contently, letting the comfort of having her in my arms sink into me. But then it hit me-when she woke, she would be hungry. I opened my eyes, realizing I needed to prepare breakfast for her.
I pressed another kiss to her hair, her soft strands brushing against my lips. She didn't stir, only sighed faintly and burrowed closer against me.
Leaning down, I whispered against her ear, "I'll be back." Her lashes didn't flutter, her eyes didn't open, but she murmured something faint and sleepy, a sound that made my chest ache with tenderness. I lingered for a heartbeat, then carefully slid her down against the pillows, making sure the blanket stayed tucked around her. She curled into it instantly, still wrapped in the warmth of our night.
Quietly, I pulled on a shirt and padded out of the room, closing the door softly behind me.
The kitchen smelled faintly of polish-the housekeeper had been here earlier. I opened the cupboards and the fridge, finding them neatly stocked, just as I'd asked her to keep them. Everything was arranged in order, labeled, and easy to reach.
Eggs, bread, fresh fruit. Even my favorite tea was stacked carefully in the corner, untouched since the last tI chere. I made a mental note to thank the housekeeper later, but for now, my mind was on Olivia.
She'd be starving when she woke up. After last night... I knew I had drained her. My wolf howled proudly at the thought, but I shoved him back, focusing instead on what mattered now.
Not dominance. Not play.
Care.
My mate needed food, comfort, and a reason to smile when she opened her eyes.
I rolled my sleeves and set to work.
I cracked a couple of eggs into the pan, the sizzle rising as the yolks spread across the heat. The sound filled the quiet kitchen. I grabbed bread, sliding it into the toaster, then sliced a few strawberries and apples, arranging them neatly on a small plate.
"She'll like this," I murmured aloud, though it wasn't really to myself.
My wolf stirred inside me, restless. "She deserves more than this. She deserves the world. You saw her last night -how fragile she was after the dream. We should never let her out of our sight." I clenched my jaw lightly as I stirred the eggs, lowering the flame. "I know. But we can't cage her, either. She needs freedom. Space." "Space gets her hurt. Look at Frederick. Look at her mother. Don't let her out of our sight." The wolf's voice was harsher than mine, but I knew where it cfrom-possession, protection, love. The sthings that made my chest ache every tI looked at her.
"We will care for her," I promised quietly, sliding the eggs onto the plate. "But we will give her space." My wolf rumbled in approval, quieting, but I still felt his hunger, his need to claim her in every way possible. I ignored it, focusing instead on the tea I was pouring into a cup. Sweet, with just a hint of honey-the way she liked it.
By the tI was done, the tray looked simple, but it was made for her. Eggs, toast, fruit, tea. I picked it up carefully and carried it back upstairs.
The bedroom was still dim, curtains drawn against the morning sun. Olivia hadn't moved much-still curled into the blankets, her breathing soft and even. For a moment, I just stood there, watching her, something heavy and unexplainable pressing into my chest.
Then I crossed the room quietly, setting the tray down on the bedside table. Leaning closer, I brushed a kiss against her temple.
She tried to sit up fully, fumbling with the blanket, but I placed a steady hand on her shoulder.
"Easy," I murmured, reaching for the tray. "Let me." Her brows lifted, amusement flickering in her sleepy eyes. "You're going to feednow?" "Yes," I said without hesitation, meeting her gaze with a smile. "Last night drained you. The least I can do is make sure you eat." Her lips curved into the faintest smile, but her cheeks warmed. She leaned back against the pillows, surrendering. "Alright then... feed me, Master Louis." I gave her a look, half stern, half amused, and she laughed softly, though it ended in a sigh. I picked up a slice of toast first, brushing the edge lightly against her lips until she parted them. She took a small bite, her eyes never leaving mine.
"Good girl," I whispered, unable to stop the words. Her blush deepened, but she chewed obediently, swallowing before murmuring, "You're enjoying this too much." "Maybe," I admitted, lifting a forkful of eggs next. "But only because it's you."
Bit by bit, I fed her-toast, eggs, fruit-watching the tension ease from Lease the for stomach.
her body as she filled Shielsigh as She sighed in contentment when I finally offered her the tea, holding the cup steady while she sipped. When she finished, she rested her head lightly against my chest again. "You spoil me," she whispered, eyes heavy with sleep once more.
I pressed a kiss into her hair, murmuring against her crown. "Get used to it, Olivia. You're mine to take care of."
She blushed and letcontinue feeding her. When she finished the last sip of tea, Olivia leaned back against the pillows, her lips curving faintly into a tired smile. For a moment, she simply stared at me, her eyes softer than I'd ever seen them. Then she stretched lightly beneath the blanket and murmured, "I need to wash up." I tilted my head, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Do you wantto draw the bath again?" Her eyes gleamed mischievously as she asked, "Do you want to join me?" The thought alone made my wolf snarl with desire, but I shook my head, smirking despite the ache in my chest. "No. If I see you naked again, I won't be able to stop myself. You should bathe alone." Her laugh was soft, melodic, filling the room. She smiled at me, leaning forward to press a quick kiss to my cheek.
"Suit yourself, Master Louis," she teased, slipping off the bed with the blanket still wrapped around her shoulders. She glanced back once, her smile lingering as she padded toward the bathroom.
I watched her go, a quiet exhale leaving me. Goddess help me-this woman would ruinin every way, and I'd let her.
My wolf prowled inside me, restless. He wantedto go to her, to claim her again, but I forced him down. She needed space-peace. After last night, after her nightmare, she needed more than my hunger and desire.
I closed my eyes, letting her scent soothe me. Lavender from the bath, the faint sweetness of her skin—it calmed the unease inside me, remindingwhy I had to keep steady. For her. Always for her.
Minutes later, the sound of the water stopped.
I sat up just as the bathroom door opened. Olivia stepped out, steam curling behind her, her damp haim clinging to her shoulders. She wore one of my shirts, loose and falling just past her thighs. For a moment, she looked calm until I caught the crease in her brow. Her lips pressed into a thin line as her eyes met mine, and the smile I had expected wasn't there. Instead, a faint frown shadowed her beautiful face.
I straightened, my chest tightening with concern. "Olivia?" I asked softly, "What is it?"