Alpha Victoria

Thirst

Victoria's P.O.V.

I woke to the phosphene hues dancing behind closed lids, my mind struggling to shake off the remnants of a restless sleep. The shrill scream of the alarm shattered the fragile peace, jolting me into awareness. Blinking against the morning light filtering through the curtains, a dull ache throbbed in my lower abdomen, a persistent reminder of the previous day’s tumultuous events. Romantic. No, more like an uncanny twist of fate that left me bewildered.

Turning slightly, I glimpsed Alexander sleeping beside me, his arms folded protectively, a testament to his unconscious restraint even in slumber. His parted lips and tousled hair softened his usually stern countenance, rendering him vulnerable, almost innocent. I found myself drawn to the stark contrast between his raw masculinity and the tender stillness of his sleep.

Reflecting on yesterday’s ordeal, the memories flooded back unbidden—the blood, the pain, and the unsettling realization of my own vulnerability. The discomfort simmered in the depths of my core, urging an urgent retreat to the bathroom. Slipping out of bed with care not to disturb him, I was unsurprised when Alexander stirred, his gaze shifting between the empty space beside him and my retreating figure.

Alexander's P.O.V.

I watched Victoria move with a grace that belied her current state of discomfort, a mixture of concern and helplessness knotting in my chest. Stepping closer, I placed a large hand gently on the small of her back, offering silent support as she navigated her way to the bathroom. We stood together in the quiet of the morning, finding solace in the shared warmth of our presence, words unnecessary in the moment.

After a few minutes, Victoria spoke softly, her voice laced with defiance as she faced the inevitable confrontation of her condition. "The remaining supplies are in the cabinet," I began, my tone gentle yet firm, "and you're not training today."

Her eyes flashed with a mixture of surprise and determination, a silent protest forming on her lips. "I know I'm in heat," she retorted, her voice tinged with stubbornness, "but I'm fine."

"It's not a request," I countered gently, my gaze holding hers with unwavering resolve. "Rest today."

Her jaw tightened, a familiar defiance flickering in her eyes. "Your orders are for others, not for me," she insisted.

With a sigh, I relented slightly, recognizing her need for autonomy even in vulnerable moments. "Fine," I acquiesced, "but I still suggest you take it easy."

Victoria studied me for a beat, her gaze flickering between my eyes and lips in a way that sent a rush of heat through my veins. "You know," she teased lightly, her laughter a stark contrast to the seriousness of moments before, "it almost seems like you're the one in heat."

I couldn't suppress a faint smile, amusement softening the edges of my usually stoic demeanor. "Alright, your joke was almost amusing," I conceded, guiding her towards the bathroom with a tenderness that surprised even myself.

Victoria's P.O.V.

"I'll wait outside," Alexander offered quietly, his voice a soothing presence as I prepared myself for the day ahead. "Call me if you need anything."

"What time is it?" I asked, breaking the brief silence that hung between us.

"05:34," he replied without hesitation, concern etching lines on his face.

"You should go and get ready," I suggested, my voice laced with a hint of stubbornness. "Training starts at 06:00. I don't want us to be late."

"No," he countered firmly, his gaze unwavering. "You're not training today."

My brow furrowed in protest. "But-"

"No buts," he interrupted gently, his tone leaving no room for argument. "It's final."

"Alright," I relented begrudgingly, conceding to his insistence on rest despite my own reservations. "But I don't need your supervision."

He studied me for a moment, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Stubborn as always," he remarked softly.

"True that," I shot back, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

Time skip: 08:55 p.m.

Alexander's P.O.V.

The day passed in a haze of intermittent discomfort and enforced rest. Victoria's attempts to sleep and eat brought some relief from the lingering cramps that ebbed and flowed like the tide. Meanwhile, I spent the day attending to matters in the dungeons, the weight of responsibility heavy on my shoulders.

Returning to our room after a long day, fresh from a much-needed shower, I found Victoria waiting for me. Her expression softened at the sight of me, a mixture of weariness and affection in her eyes.

Victoria's P.O.V.

"Hey," I greeted him softly, my voice betraying a trace of relief.

"Hey," he replied, his own fatigue tempered by a genuine concern for my well-being.

"So, where were you all day?" I inquired, curiosity mingling with a hint of longing for his presence.

"Had some business in the dungeons," he answered succinctly, his demeanor slightly guarded.

"Oh," I responded, a pang of regret at not being by his side evident in my tone. "I wish I could have been there too."

"Sadistic much?" he teased lightly, a flicker of amusement lighting his eyes.

"Too much," I admitted with a wry smile, grateful for the brief moment of levity in an otherwise trying day.

"How are you feeling?" he asked gently, concern etched in the lines of his face.

"I'm good," I assured him, a genuine smile playing on my lips. "Just sleeping and eating."

"Good," he remarked, his voice laced with a hint of teasing. "You should eat more."

"Mmhm," I retorted playfully, knowing full well his penchant for lighthearted banter.

Alexander chuckled softly, his eyes tracing the contours of my face with an unabashed admiration that sent warmth spreading through my veins. "Look at your arms," he pointed out, his tone gentle yet teasing, "you're looking weaker."

"I defeated you a few days ago, remember?" I countered with mock indignation, a playful glint in my eyes.

"I faked my defeat," he quipped, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Yeah, right!" I scoffed, feigning disbelief. "Of course."

"That's what I said," he teased, his voice a low murmur that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Don't annoy me," I warned playfully, though the affection in my tone was unmistakable.

"Why not?" he challenged with a smirk, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes.

"I'll—" I began, only to falter as his gaze locked with mine, a silent challenge passing between us.

"You'll do what?" he prodded, his voice dropping to a low murmur that sent a rush of heat through my veins.

I couldn't resist the temptation to play along, my playful spirit rising to meet his. "I'll..." I trailed off, searching for the right words, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

Suddenly, without warning, a surge of instinctual hunger washed over me, the scent of his blood filling my senses with a primal urgency. I could feel my eyes darken, a primal desire stirring deep within me. "Alexander," I whispered hoarsely, my voice tinged with a mixture of longing and hunger,

"what's happening? Are you okay?"

Fuck my life.