Ditched Cheating Alpha, I Led My Daughter to Life's Peak novel Chapter 335

The door opens. I don't have to look. That sickening calm sensation sweeping over me. That bubbly feeling in my gut that, regrettably, feels more like happiness than gas. The awareness of my wanting to just hold her and stupidly believe that would make everything okay.

I clench my pen, glaring at the paper in front of me. "What do you want?"

Mia's POV

The first thing I see when I wake up is Axel's face. Even past my sleepiness, I can clearly feel his warm chest pressed against my own. Carson's well-toned body is pushed up against my back, adding to the heat. It's comfortable. Safe.

I reach my hand out, eyeing the relaxed look on Axel's face. His chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm. My thumb brushes against his cheek along to it. Back and forth. Up and Down. I couldn't imagine if he had been the one to leave. If any of the brothers had gone without any guarantee of coming back. I can't stand that Ethel and Onai are gone, but if the brothers were gone too...

I turn to the other side. Carson immediately becomes visible, one arm thrown over me and all of his limbs stretched out. You'd think it was his bed. As I adjust to my new position, his body melds against mine, moving closer, sighing. Axel snuggles up behind me too, even in his sleep, but my eyes stay fixed on what's behind Carson-or rather, what's not behind him. Past his broad shoulders and bare chest, there's nobody there. Aiden's gone. Again.

It's my turn to sigh. It's nothing like the gentle exhale coming from Carson. It's low and tired as I push up onto my elbows, feeling the weight of every muscle come back in motion. Instantly, Carson's arm that's around me tenses up.

I try to move it away.

He pulls me against his chest, all but rolling on top of me. Is he awake?

I nudge his limbs away, squinting in the dark. He's face down in his pillow, snoring. He's definitely still asleep-if the crushing weight over my body is any indication-but that does nothing to free me. Conscious Carson has to deliberately hold back his strength with me. Unconscious Carson? I'm not going anywhere. I flail around in as much of a non-flailing way, so I don't wake him up, or Axel. Carson doesn't budge. Waking him up is looking more and more like my only option.

Suddenly, his body starts to move. It doesn't look natural. It's like some external force is... I notice the hand shoving Carson to the side. I trail my gaze up the toned arm, firm biceps, and to Axel who's sluggishly rubbing the back of his hand over his eyes.

"Are you okay?" he whispers.

I nod, sitting up fully. "I'll be right back."

"... O..." He yawns, head falling to the side against his pillow. "Okay... Tell me if..."

I try not to laugh because he looks so sleepy. I push his hair out of his face, gently nudging him back to sleep. Once his face stills again, I scoot down the bed. Carson's arm fully falls off me and against the empty sheets. A growl starts from the base of his chest. I expect it to stop. It doesn't. It just gets louder and louder until he starts stirring in his sleep. I'm fully off the bed now, but I walk around to the side to calm him. Why is it so hard to get out of bed? Honestly. I lean over the covers and brush my fingers over his cheek gently, rubbing the furrow in his brow. The growl dies down, slowly, gently as he takes a big whiff in. He leans into my touch. His face relaxes as he holds his pillow closer. I smile at him, and finally, finally, leave the room.