Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 165

**Chapter 165: I Want to Sleep Alone**

**Deanna’s POV:**

The gentle warmth radiating from Luis’s solid chest was almost overwhelming, wrapping around me like a soft, comforting blanket. It was a sensation so vivid and intoxicating that it felt as if he were truly cradling me in a protective cocoon, shielding me from the world outside. His hands, large and firm, felt like the soft pads of an Alpha’s paws—powerful yet tender. They pressed into my skin with an intensity that made me feel cherished, as though I were a precious treasure held close to his heart.

As I slowly blinked my eyes open, caught in that hazy limbo between sleep and wakefulness, I caught a glimpse of a sharply defined jawline, unmistakably belonging to Luis. He was clad in a bathrobe that hung loosely on his powerful frame, the tie around his waist carelessly undone. The sight revealed the sculpted contours of his abs, glistening ever so slightly, as if he had just stepped out of a steamy shower. There was a languid energy about him, a slow, seductive aura that seemed to fill the room, making the very air quiver with his presence.

The dominance he exuded was palpable, transforming our bedroom into his domain. Suddenly, a wave of discomfort surged through me, and I instinctively pushed him away, rolling toward the edge of the bed. My frown deepened as I questioned him, my voice laced with irritation, “Why did you suddenly come back?”

Luis’s lips curved into a playful smirk, amusement dancing in his eyes as he replied, “What’s this? Hiding someone in here? Quite the dramatic reaction, don’t you think?”

The truth was, I felt utterly drained and weak, the effects of my menstrual period weighing heavily on me. With a resigned sigh, I threw the covers aside, determined to make my escape. “I’ll go sleep in the guest room,” I declared, trying to assert my independence, hoping that my words would convey the seriousness of my need for space.

But before I could fully rise, I felt his hand shoot out, grasping my arm and pulling me back with a gentle yet unyielding tug. The sudden movement sent me tumbling against his chest, my gaze drawn to the expanse of his alluringly tanned muscles, a sight that made my heart flutter despite my earlier resolve.

His voice, smooth and languorous, drifted down to me like a warm breeze. “Why?”

I pushed myself up, forcing a defiant expression onto my face as I retorted, “I’m not feeling well.”

The unspoken message hung heavily in the air between us—tonight was not a night for intimacy.

Luis regarded me with a lazy gaze, seemingly unfazed by my discomfort. “Did I ever say I wanted to? Just lie down.”

The warmth of his pheromones washed over me like a warm tide, a commanding presence that made it increasingly difficult to maintain my resistance. He pulled me close, my face pressed against the solid muscle of his chest, his chin resting comfortably atop my head.

His hand found its way to my stomach, rubbing gently in soothing circles. The heat radiating from his palm seeped into me, providing surprising relief from the menstrual cramps that had been nagging at me. Yet, the overpowering scent of cedarwood that clung to him was intoxicating, wrapping around me like a blanket, leaving me feeling trapped within his aura. In that moment, I felt like a pet, dependent on his whims—receiving affection when he was generous and left to fend for myself when he wasn’t.

The more I pondered this unsettling thought, the tighter my chest felt, and a throbbing headache began to form. I struggled again, my voice firm as I insisted, “I want to sleep alone.”

Luis studied me quietly for a moment, his expression unreadable, as if contemplating the depths of my turmoil. “What’s with the fuss, hm?”

Turning my head away, I refused to meet his gaze, feeling vulnerable and exposed. “I’m just not feeling well today. I want to rest by myself.”

The attending physicians and nurses trailing behind me erupted into laughter, their amusement echoing through the sterile halls like a chorus of mocking crows.

My eye twitched in irritation. Luis had just single-handedly obliterated my professional reputation with this absurd request.

**Conclusion**

In this chapter, Deanna grapples with the conflicting emotions that arise from her vulnerability and her desire for independence. The intimacy she shares with Luis, while comforting, also stirs a deep-seated anxiety about dependency and the loss of her autonomy. As she pushes him away, insisting on her need for solitude, it becomes evident that her struggle is not merely physical but deeply emotional. The warmth of his presence, which once felt like a safe haven, now feels suffocating, reminding her of the delicate balance between closeness and the need to reclaim her own space. Ultimately, her retreat under the covers symbolizes a yearning for self-protection amidst the chaos of her feelings.

On the other hand, Luis’s playful demeanor and unwavering affection reveal his genuine care, even as he inadvertently challenges Deanna’s boundaries. His response to her insistence on sleeping alone highlights the complexities of their relationship, where affection and independence often clash. As the door clicks shut behind him, the weight of their unspoken emotions lingers in the air, leaving Deanna to confront her own vulnerabilities in solitude. This moment serves as a poignant reminder that love can be both a sanctuary and a source of inner turmoil, encapsulating the emotional arc of longing and self-discovery that defines their connection.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect the tension between Deanna and Luis to escalate as both characters grapple with their feelings and boundaries. Deanna’s insistence on wanting to sleep alone hints at deeper emotional struggles that she has yet to confront. As she navigates her physical discomfort and the psychological weight of her relationship with Luis, the stakes will rise, forcing her to confront what it truly means to be vulnerable. Will she be able to assert her independence, or will Luis’s magnetic presence draw her back into his orbit?

Meanwhile, Erik’s unexpected call to address Deanna’s situation adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. His disbelief and irritation at being pulled into what he perceives as a trivial matter will undoubtedly lead to comedic moments, but it also serves to highlight the contrasting dynamics between the characters. As Erik wrestles with his professional reputation and the absurdity of the request, readers will be left wondering how his involvement will affect the unfolding drama between Deanna and Luis. Will Erik inadvertently become a catalyst for change, or will his attempts to intervene only complicate matters further? The anticipation builds as we await the next chapter, eager to see how these intertwined lives will navigate their shifting emotions and relationships.