Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 411

Luis's POV:

I stood on the balcony, the night wind carrying the faint scent of greenery from the edge of the city.

One hand rested in my pocket, my gaze unfocused as it drifted toward the blurred horizon in the distance.

I stood there for a long while, absentmindedly brushing the cigarette case in my pocket with my fingers.

Since Deanna became pregnant, I hardly ever smoked, but tonight my nerves felt unusually restless.

I took one out, held it between my lips, flicked the lighter, and drew in deeply, nicotine rolling through my chest.

From the balcony, I could see the light in the neighboring window go dark.

She'd really fallen asleep.

I let out a quiet, helpless chuckle and took another hard drag.

The cigarette burned out quickly. I stubbed it out in the metal ash container kept on the balcony and turned back inside. I took a shower, letting the hot water wash away the smell of smoke and some of the day's fatigue.

As I passed through the living room, my steps paused briefly at the hallway leading to the guest room. In the end, I turned toward the sofa instead.

The apartment wasn't large. From the living room, I could see the door to the main bedroom.

But for someone of my build, the sofa was undeniably too small.

I leaned back into it, letting my body sink slightly, head resting against the backrest, eyes closing.

Deanna's POV:

Near midnight, I woke in my sleep with a sudden wave of thirst.

Half-asleep, I sat up, planning to head to the living room for some water.

Just as my feet touched the soft carpet, a sharp spasm seized my calf.

A common pregnancy cramp—but this one hit with unusual intensity.

I let out a soft sound despite myself, quickly pressing my hand to the cramped muscle.

At that moment, the bedroom door flew open.

A tall, familiar figure stood in the doorway.

The light switched on almost instantly.

The sudden brightness made me squint, and before I could fully react—

Luis was already at my side, moving like a gust of wind.

He sat on the edge of the bed, lifting my cramped leg onto his thighs, his hands expertly massaging the taut muscle.

"Here?"

"A little lower ... yes." I frowned slightly as the pain eased under his touch.

Warm yellow light filled the room. Luis lowered his head, his sharp brows drawn together in focus, every bit of his attention on me.

"I want some water."

"Stay."

With that, Luis stood and walked out of the room.

Moments later, he returned holding a glass of warm water and handed it to me.

I took it from him and drank.

The night was utterly quiet.

After finishing, I placed the glass on the nightstand and saw him bring in a thermos from the living room, setting it by the bed. "If you get thirsty again after falling asleep, drink this."

"Go back to sleep."

He bent down to tuck the blanket around me, his movements careful and precise. Finally, a kiss—light as a feather—fell on my forehead.

My lashes trembled at the touch.

I watched as Luis left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

That faint click echoed like a stone dropped into still water, sending ripples through my heart.

Was I being a little too harsh?

Letting the past stir things up between us like this...