Chapter 5: Sleep Beside the Wolf
1155 Words
Ella’s POV
I stood in front of the door to his bedroom, heart pounding like a war drum in my chest.
Sleep in his bed.
That was what he said.
Not touch. Not kiss. Just pretend.
But how do you pretend beside a man who looks like sin and smells like fire and rain? How do you fake peace when every nerve in your body screams?
My hand trembled as I reached for the doorknob.
I thought of Marie. Of the auction house. Of my child.
Then I stepped inside.
It was warm.
That was the first thing I noticed. His room wasn’t cold like I expected. It smelled of pine, leather, and something uniquely him — something that made my throat tighten.
He stood by the fireplace, glass in hand, black shirt half unbuttoned.
His eyes flicked toward me. Down my body. Then back to the flames.
> “You’re late.”
> “I… had to prepare myself,” I whispered.
> “For what?”
> “For you.”
---
Xander’s POV
She looked like a deer caught between flight and surrender.
White cotton nightdress. Bare feet. Hair down. Eyes wide.
Innocent.
But beneath that innocence… danger.
Because she was already inside my head.
My wolf was restless. Pacing. It wanted her close — wanted her claimed.
I turned back to the fire.
> “You’ll sleep on the left side,” I said. “Stay beneath the sheets. We don’t touch. We don’t talk.”
> “Okay.”
> “If you can’t handle that, say so now.”
> “I can.”
She walked to the bed. Pulled back the covers. Slipped beneath the sheets like she’d been doing it her whole life.
I stayed standing, finishing my drink.
She didn’t look at me.
She didn’t say a word.
But I could hear her heart pounding from across the room.
---
Ella’s POV
The bed was too soft. Too big. Too full of him.
I laid there, staring at the ceiling, every sense on high alert.
Then the mattress dipped slightly.
He got in.
My eyes slammed shut.
He didn’t touch me. Didn’t even shift closer. Just laid there, breathing slowly, like I wasn’t there at all.
But I could feel the heat of him.
Could smell the scent of him — smoky, sharp, masculine.
And worse… I could feel something else.
Comfort.
That scared me more than anything.
Because I was starting to feel safe beside the monster I should fear.
---
Xander’s POV
Her breathing was fast. Shallow.
She was nervous.
But not afraid.
That bothered me.
She should be afraid.
I wasn’t a man who saved things. I wasn’t gentle. I wasn’t kind.
I was power and rage and rules.
But she made me want to be something else.
I turned slightly, facing her back.
So close.
A few inches more and I’d feel the curve of her spine against my chest.
My wolf growled again.
> “Touch her.”
No.
> “Claim her.”
Not yet.
> “Go to sleep,” I said aloud.
She didn’t answer.
But her body relaxed.
And for the first time in years…
I fell asleep beside someone.
---
Ella’s POV
I woke up before him.
The sun was just beginning to paint the room gold.
And I was still alive.
Still in his bed.
Still pregnant.
I turned my head slowly and looked at him.
Xander.
Alpha.
My captor. My protector. My maybe lover. My child’s father.
He slept with one arm draped over the sheet, chest rising and falling in steady rhythm.
So peaceful.
So different.
His dark lashes, long and thick. His lips, slightly parted. His jaw, tense even in sleep.
I stared for too long.
Then I slid out of bed and into the bathroom.
I needed air.
I splashed water on my face and stared at my reflection.
> “Keep it together,” I whispered. “You’re doing this for Marie. For the baby.”
> “Not for him.”
---
Xander’s POV
When I woke up, she was already gone.
The bed was still warm where she’d lain.
The scent of her still lingered on the pillow — wild lilac and soft rain.
I ran a hand down my face.
I hadn’t dreamed.
Not of Hazel. Not of blood. Not of fire.
Just quiet.
And her.
I got up and dressed quickly.
Because today wasn’t about peace.
Today… Damon Grey was coming.
And he’d smell the lie on us if we weren’t careful.
---
Ella’s POV
The entire estate was buzzing with energy.
Guards moved faster. Staff whispered more. Doors slammed. Wolves shifted in the distance, preparing for something big.
Yara came in mid-morning and laid out a navy-blue velvet gown with silver embroidery and matching heels.
> “Wear this. Damon Grey arrives in an hour.”
> “Who is he?” I asked again.
She paused.
> “A predator. Worse than most. He loves what he can’t have.”
My stomach twisted.
> “And what if he wants me?”
> “Then the Alpha will kill him.”
---
Xander’s POV
Damon Grey arrived in a black car with silver rims and a red stripe down the middle.
Flashy. Cocky. Just like him.
He stepped out wearing a tailored suit and an arrogant grin.
> “Xander,” he said, arms wide. “Still ruling like a corpse?”
> “Still desperate to prove something?” I shot back.
He laughed.
Then his eyes drifted past me… to her.
Ella.
His grin widened.
> “Ah. So this is the Luna.”
> “She is.”
> “Unmarked?”
> “Temporary.”
I immediately regretted saying it.
Because Damon’s eyes gleamed.
> “Then maybe I still have a chance.”
> “You don’t,” I said coldly.
---
Ella’s POV
He looked me over like a meal.
Damon Grey.
Handsome. Dangerous. Too charming.
He stepped forward and took my hand.
> “Ella, was it? You’re even lovelier up close.”
> “Thank you,” I said tightly.
> “You must be powerful to tame the coldest Alpha alive.”
I smiled politely.
> “Some things don’t need taming. Just understanding.”
His eyes flicked with something dark.
Then Xander’s arm slid around my waist.
Possessive. Protective.
Electric.
I didn’t pull away.
And neither did he.
---
Xander’s POV
When I touched her waist, she leaned into me like it was the most natural thing in the world.
She was learning fast.
Playing the role well.
Too well.
Because when Damon looked at her, I didn’t see curiosity.
I saw hunger.
And I knew right then…
If I didn’t claim her soon — for real — I was going to lose more than just my lie.
I was going to lose her.
- Writer
