My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game

Elena’s POV

The sight of Damien choosing to remain at the house all day caught me completely off guard. I had anticipated he would be eager to return to his pack duties, but instead, his attention stayed fixed on Caleb and me. This unexpected behavior left me wondering if all Alphas acted this way when they welcomed a new baby into their lives. I honestly had no idea what was typical.

Our evening meal took place with Caleb sleeping peacefully in his bassinet positioned right beside our table. Afterward, Damien took charge of the baby, allowing me the luxury of a hot shower and time to prepare for bed. The gesture felt surprisingly natural, as if we had been sharing these domestic moments for years rather than days.

When feeding time arrived, Damien graciously stepped away to give me privacy, though not before placing another gentle kiss on my forehead. The sweet gesture made my heart flutter. Truth be told, his presence during feeding sessions wouldn’t have bothered me in the slightest. The baby’s head would block any view anyway, but I appreciated his thoughtfulness and respect for my comfort.

Once Caleb drifted off to sleep, I carefully placed him in the bassinet next to my bed and collapsed onto the mattress. Exhaustion claimed me almost immediately, pulling me into deep sleep.

The sound of Caleb’s cries jolted me awake three hours later. I stumbled out of bed and began changing his diaper, my movements still clumsy from sleep.

"Everything okay in there?" Damien’s voice came from my doorway, concern evident in his tone.

"Just the usual diaper change and feeding routine," I replied, not looking up from my task.

"Makes sense. Wolf cubs have big appetites," he said, stepping into the room to peer down at Caleb.

I watched Damien’s expression as he gazed at the baby, and something powerful stirred in my chest. Pride radiated from his features as he looked at Caleb with the unmistakable adoration of a father. The intensity of his affection for a child who wasn’t biologically his left me speechless. This wasn’t what I had expected from him at all.

"I’ll give you some space," Damien said, beginning to retreat toward the door.

"Damien, wait," I called out softly.

He paused, turning back to face me. "Yeah?"

"You don’t have to leave if you’d rather stay," I offered, surprised by my own boldness.

"Really?" His eyebrows lifted in question.

"I mean it. You can stay here if you want to," I confirmed.

"You’re absolutely certain?" he pressed, searching my face.

"Completely certain," I assured him.

I settled onto the bed with Caleb, beginning his feeding while Damien stretched out beside me. Initially, I worried he might feel awkward being in my personal space, but he appeared remarkably relaxed. His comfort in my room felt as natural as breathing.

After Caleb finished nursing, I gently returned him to his bassinet and lay back down. Damien remained awake beside me, his presence both comforting and electric.

"Is breastfeeding painful?" he asked quietly, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Not painful, exactly. Just an odd sensation I’m still adjusting to," I explained, then noticed his intense stare. "What’s on your mind? I can tell there’s something you want to ask me."

"When you first arrived here, did you already know we were mates?" His question hung heavy in the air between us.

I considered his words carefully before responding. "I felt the same thing you did, I think. That magnetic pull drawing me to you. I knew instinctively that you would keep me safe, that this place was where I belonged. The attraction started the moment I laid eyes on you, even while I was still bound to that bastard. Coming here just made everything clearer, though the pregnancy complicated my ability to process those feelings. That’s why I suggested returning to Marcus. I convinced myself you wouldn’t want another man’s child disrupting your life."

"That’s ridiculous," Damien said firmly. "I already love Caleb like he’s my own flesh and blood. Never question that again."

"I won’t," I whispered, warmth spreading through my chest at his declaration.

His hand reached out to brush stray hair from my face, and the contact sent familiar sparks dancing across my skin. The simple touch ignited something deep within me that had been dormant since Caleb’s birth.

He shifted his palm to cup my cheek while his eyes searched mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. The air between us crackled with unspoken desire.

Unable to resist any longer, I slowly leaned forward until our lips met in a kiss that felt like coming home. He immediately moved closer, his free hand sliding around my waist to pull me against him, deepening our connection while refusing to let me retreat.

A low moan escaped him, and he reluctantly broke away from my lips.

"The doctor was pretty clear about the sex restriction," he reminded me, his voice rough with want.

"I remember every word she said. And I’m getting more eager by the day for that restriction to be lifted," I admitted, my cheeks flushing at my own honesty.

"Trust me, you’re not alone in that feeling," he replied, his smirk making my pulse quicken.

"I can definitely tell," I said, and he chuckled before stealing another quick kiss.

He rolled onto his back and drew me close so my head rested against his chest while our legs intertwined naturally. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my ear created the perfect lullaby, and I felt completely safe wrapped in his arms.