Before midnight.

The night played out to favor both of them. Seth and Vlad changed roles, each attempting to take their dose of control over the situation. Being with Vlad was a whole new experience which she didn't expect.

He wasn't rough nor demanding - the Alpha was a lover. Gentle and passionate. When the morning sun illuminated the small bedroom, Seth rested on Vlad's chest, taking short glances at his peaceful face while he slept.

They didn't have just sex - it was something deeper, beyond any expectations. Vlad stirred and smirked, his eyes still closed. He wrapped his arms around Seth's body and pulled her closer, gently kissing the top of her head.

“So this is what it feels like to make love, not fuck around like a rabbit.” She thought to herself.

“Morning beautiful, did you sleep?” Vlad questioned Seth, his deep morning voice sending a wave of electric shivers down her spine.

“Good morning, handsome,” Seth grinned, finding an odd pleasure in waking up, snuggling next to the Alpha. “I'm not much of a sleeper, I guess - an hour was enough. I was planning to make us breakfast, but I didn't want to wake you up, so I didn't dare to move.” Seth smiled, placing a hand on his chest, enjoying the rhythmic sound of his heartbeat.

“I would die for a cup of coffee now, but I'm pretty sure so would you. Snuggle up, I'll bring it to bed, and in the meantime, we will have time to plan the day. I need to leave around evening - duty calls, darling,” Vlad kissed her forehead and let go of Seth.

She watched how he got out of the bed and marched to the small kitchen area, butt naked. Perhaps he was more gentle and understanding than other Alphas, but he sure was a show-off, stretching each time he would notice Seth's eyes on him.

She bit onto her bottom lip and hid under the blanket. Seth couldn't stop wondering what her life might be if she chose to stay with Vlad, against all odds.

He was so different from men she had met before, and the caring nature was an absolute jackpot. Her thoughts traveled back to the night they spent together, how he kept whispering sweet nothings and every here and there made sure if she wasn't in pain.

Each time he touched her skin, Seth felt as if electricity traveled all over her body, hitting the right spots at the right time.

Her feelings confused her more than ever. Seth felt such a strong pull towards Luciano, and now the same was happening with Vlad. Then again, she couldn't get Dominic and Ryder out of her mind - both men caught her interest, perhaps more than she would like to admit.

Seth groaned in frustration - all these men were messing with her mind; she had never thought of staying with a man for more than one night.

Heck, now, she caught herself thinking about staying loyal to one man.

Vlad placed two cups on the nightstand, sitting next to Seth and letting out a deep breath.

His body became tense, and even without looking, she knew that something bothered Vlad. She wanted to speak up, but for some reason, it felt as if it was better to wait until he would.

And he did: “I understand if you regret the night, you know - what happened between us. But I want you to know that I have no regrets. I'm feeling something for you, it's been like that since the night I met you, and I grew absolutely miserable while thinking that I wouldn't meet you again. Holding you in my arms in bliss, being near, and seeing that smile on your face brightens my day. I can't explain why it is like that, nor could I understand myself. All I want you to know is that I don't regret anything, and I'd do it a million times more, if only you'd give me a chance.”

Seth threw the blanket off her and placed her hands on his neck, pulling him into the bed. She searched his eyes, catching a glimpse of hurt, yet as said - no regret. “I wouldn't regret the night we spent together even if I had to die by the sunrise.”

They snuggled for a while, enjoying the silence and peace surrounding them. Vlad remembered about coffee and handed the cup to Seth, grinning like a child when she appreciated his effort.

Vlad thought that he would fail the simple task - Vlad had never faced a situation when he had to make coffee independently. Usually, someone was a step ahead and made sure he would have enough for daily intake, but today he had to search his phone for instructions.

Not that he would ever admit that to Seth. By the time when both emptied their cups, someone knocked on the cabin door. As much as Vlad didn't want to let go of Seth - he had to.

She threw on her bathrobe and ran to the door, fearing that an emergency occurred at the family house.

Thankfully, it was quite the opposite - Alyssa decided to offer Seth and Vlad breakfast with her and the kids. Since Henry had left, the woman felt a little lonely, leading her days taking care of their pups and property.

Having someone around was like a gush of fresh air, and the woman would be a fool if she didn't use the chance to have someone join their table.

“Give us ten minutes, and we'll be there. Kids should be still asleep, don't start without me - I'll help prepare the food.” Seth gladly accepted the kind invitation, rushing back to the naked Alpha, laying on her bed.

When she stopped in the door frame, for a moment, Seth forgot why she had to rush. Vlad reminded her of a Greek god, ready to please and adore her till the end of their days.

Her eyes greedily took in his body, cheeks blushing as she met the Alpha's eyes - he had caught her staring. Seth cleared her throat and straightened her body.

“Alyssa invited us to have breakfast with her and the kids. I said yes, so hop, hop, big guy, we have ten minutes.”

To say that his words and actions took her unprepared was an understatement. Vlad moved the blanket away from his body, exposing his swollen member, ready for round two.

A sly smirk appeared on his lips as he spoke: “I was kind of thinking about a different type of feast, but breakfast sounds okay too.”

Of course, he teased Seth intentionally. There wasn't a reason for him to suddenly act so full of himself, other than to see the raw hunger in her eyes once again.

Someone knocked on the door again; Seth groaned and pointed a finger at Vlad. “You stay here!”

She rushed back to the door, wondering if Alyssa changed her mind. Before her hand grabbed on the door handle, Seth's heart skipped a beat.

What if it wasn't Alyssa? She had enough things to fear, yet she acted as if the word was her playground. She held her breath, opening the door and exhaling as soon as she noticed Alyssa.

“Crazy, you scared me,” Seth whisper-yelled at the woman.

“Sorry, the kids woke up and demanded cereal for breakfast. To my luck - we're out of both cereal and milk. I was kind of thinking of driving to the store and leaving them for you two, but the little demons disagreed. So, I'll drive to the town and since they're joining - it'll take about an hour. I decided to warn you and see if you needed anything. I have enough food in the fridge if you two are hungry,” Alyssa smiled awkwardly.

Unlike other people Seth had met, the woman didn't try to steal glances behind Seth to see what was happening inside.

“Oh, alright. No, I don't think so, thank you. Besides, we might go out today since Vlad has to leave closer to the evening; if anything - I'll buy whatever might be necessary. You have fun with the little demons.” Seth laughed, enjoying how casual their conversations were.

With Henry and Alyssa, she felt like she had a real family.

“Deal.” Alyssa nodded and hurried away, acting a little strange. Seth kept watching her until the woman reached the back door of her house. She turned around and yelled: “Don't make babies, you're still too young!”

Seth was about to close the door when she felt a presence behind her. Vlad wrapped his arms around her waist, chuckling near her ear.

“Look who got you all worked up. I might have accidentally overhead that we have around an hour - any idea what we could do to kill time? I am a bit hungry, but I'd prefer dessert over actual breakfast.” His words sent chills down her spine, once again, making Seth feel needy.

She closed the door and locked it, avoiding any unnecessary eyes watching them. She turned around and threw her arms around Vlad's neck, pulling his face closer. “We could have a shower.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“Say no more,” Vlad growled, grabbing the sides of her bathrobe and sliding it down her body.

He picked her up and carried Seth to the shower in bridal style. If only she knew how much Vlad desired to carry her petite body around his own house every day…

She would fit in perfectly - everyone would love the woman the same as Vlad fell for her. The Alpha wouldn't bring the topic about feelings up anytime soon. He felt like a child, falling for someone from the moment he laid his eyes upon her.

As odd as it was, Vlad felt like that was supposed to happen - he had never felt the same way about a woman, yet Seth took his breath away.

She was the only woman he would let sleep next to him, snuggle up, and wake up in his bed. No other woman had ever made it to his bed, but Seth would, as soon as she agreed to stay the night at his house.

He let go of Seth and quickly adjusted the water, making sure it's the perfect temperature for her. They both got in, standing under the water, staring into each other's eyes as if time had stopped.

He leaned in first, just a little, but Seth was too eager to wait - she pulled him down and crashed their lips together. Whenever a growl escaped his lips, she smirked, knowing all too well that he enjoyed their closeness as much as she did.

Vlad grabbed her hips and turned her around, pressing her breasts against the tile wall. His lips brushed her ear, Seth's breath hitched at the mere contact.

“Lift your leg, darling,” Vlad whispered.

She didn't even think of rebelling or acting like a brat - gladly following the command.

Vlad hooked his hand under her knee, holding Seth's right leg slightly lifted above the shower floor.

She expected another wave of kisses, assaulting her skin, as he usually did, but his lips never reached her neck. Instead, his hand snuck around her waist, sliding down to her pussy.

Seth bit onto her lip to keep the moan locked as he spread her pussy lips with two fingers, slightly brushing her clit. Again, Seth expected that Vlad would play with her pussy, torture her a little before actually taking her.

His lips brushed against her ear again: “Keep your promise, darling. You said I could do whatever I wanted the next time. And now, I want to do you,” as soon as the words left his lips, Seth burned in need, her pussy dripping because of the mere things he did or said.

Thankfully, she didn't have to wait - Vlad slammed his cock inside her, pinning her roughly against the wall.

“Push your ass back a little, darling,” Vlad growled, his hand leaving her pussy and grabbing onto Seth's hip.

Again, she complied, more than excited to get another chance to enjoy intimacy with Vlad.

He seemed more eager than before; his thrusts were faster, rougher, nearly as if he could read her mind.

Vlad leaned to her neck, gently biting onto her flesh with every thrust.

Seth moaned against the wall, the leg - supporting her weight, shook as if she was close to collapsing.

“Slow down, please, I'm too close,” she moaned out, attempting to claw on the wall.

Vlad withdrew his cock completely, making her gasp in shock. Did he really plan to leave her hanging seconds before she would hit the bliss of release?

Instead, Vlad turned her around, placed his hands on her ass, and lifted Seth, pushing her back against the wall. He growled, supporting her weight on one arm and grabbing her wrists in the other, pinning them above her head.

“Darling,” Vlad growled. “Keep your promise,” he repeated himself, slamming his length into her. Seth cried out in pleasure, slightly closing her eyes. He let out another growl: “I want you to look at me while I make you feel better than you ever had with a man before.”

Seth would lie if she said that the new side of Vlad didn't turn her on. She loved the gentle lovemaking, but his more animalistic side was just as pleasing as the other.

Seth opened her eyes, and instantly he started moving his hips. Grunts, moans, growls, and pants echoed against the bathroom walls. The warm water washed over them; their intense breathing filled the room with a mere fog.

“Vlad!” Seth cried out as he hit that exact point that made her go crazy. She was close before, but now, she barely held herself together to last a little longer.

“I fucking love it how my name sounds, rolling over your lips,” Vlad growled, slamming his cock
inside her once again before Seth exploded in euphoric bliss, reaching one of the best orgasms she had ever had.

He quickly withdrew his erection, letting go of Seth and wrapping his fingers around his cock. Vlad bit onto his lip, eyes focused on the trembling woman, his hand pumping his length until he reached a release of his own, a hiss of pleasure leaving his lips.

They didn't speak as he quickly rinsed himself and then helped Seth to wash her body and hair. He held her close, making sure she would have enough support if she happened to fall.

Same as he carried her to the bathroom, he carried her back to the bed, wrapping Seth into layers of towels.

She watched as Vlad dried himself and got dressed, humming a melody under his breath.

He was a work of art - the perfect combination of savage and gentleman. A sad smile appeared on her lips, the realization of his responsibilities suffocating Seth.

She didn't want to see him leave, at least not as soon as he would have to.

Right when Seth tried to speak up, his phone rang. Vlad threw a glance at the caller and sighed, turning to face Seth: “Just a second, darling, I have to take this.”

Seth nodded and turned to the side, suddenly feeling drained of energy. She closed her eyes, waiting for him to return. When he did, Vlad approached the bed and kissed her cheek, apologetic expression all over his face.

“I'm sorry, darling, but I have to leave earlier than expected. There are some problems back at the council territory, and all Alpha's must be around. I'll need your phone number, so I can keep track of how my favorite girl is holding on without me around.”

The news wasn't great, but she gladly exchanged phone numbers and quickly got dressed to walk Vlad outside. He held her for ten minutes straight, debating if he wanted the title as much as he wanted to stay with Seth.

He kissed her as gently as never, promising to return soon and call every day. Vlad let go of her and drove away without throwing a glance back. If he did - he'd drop any idea about the competition and bring Seth home.

She stood by the side of the road, wondering what she expected or hoped for. Deep down, she didn't want to see him leave. Only when her phone rang, Seth focused on reality, dropping any thoughts she had.

Alyssa warned her that she and the kids would be back later this evening - she had met a friend and wanted to spend some time together. The thought made Seth smile - everyone felt somewhat happy, and she could have some sleep.

However, the joy was short-lived. Seth managed to fall asleep, but the calls from an unknown number disturbed the peaceful slumber.

She debated on turning off the phone or sound, but she couldn't - Alyssa or Henry might need her. And she was right, because soon after all those calls that she ignored, Henry tried to reach her.

“Henry! I'm so glad that you called! Please tell me you're okay!” Seth instantly picked up the phone, worried about the guard's safety.

“I've told this before - you're a very naughty kitty. Back then, when I said that you're fucked, pussycat, I meant it. I'm coming over to pick you up, be ready before midnight,” Luciano growled and ended the call without waiting for any word she might say.