Elena’s POV
I couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment sleep had claimed me, but I hadn’t been alone when it happened.
The early morning light filtered through the curtains when my eyes fluttered open, and the realization hit me that Marcus and I were still tangled together in my mother’s bed.
She definitely wasn’t going to expect this scene when she returned from her night shift.
I carefully extracted myself from Marcus’s embrace and pulled on some clothes from the dresser, then padded quietly to the living room.
Mom was stretched out on the couch, just beginning to stir as her internal clock kicked in. She had another shift waiting for her.
"I’m sorry about last night," I said softly.
"There’s nothing for you to apologize for. I’ve been telling you to take the bedroom since we moved into this place. You’re the one who kept refusing." Her voice held no trace of irritation.
"Well, I’m not going to commandeer your room now either. I’ll get all the bedding washed today," I promised.
"Shouldn’t you be getting ready for work?" she asked, sitting up and stretching.
"Not today. Doctor’s orders to stay home until my back heals properly. The wounds started bleeding again yesterday, so he made it clear I need to take things slow. And I’m definitely not supposed to remove the stitches prematurely." I explained the situation.
"Understood. So, about yesterday with the Alpha," she said, her tone carefully neutral.
"That definitely wasn’t something I planned," I said quickly.
"These things never are. Especially when it involves your mate," she replied with a knowing look.
"Are you really okay with this whole situation?" I asked, needing to know where she stood.
"He’s your mate. I’ll figure out how to be okay with it. Don’t spend your energy worrying about me," she said firmly.
She headed to the bathroom while I started the coffee, and that’s when Marcus emerged from the bedroom wearing his jeans but no shirt.
"I thought you were in the shower," he said, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
"Not yet. I’ll shower after she leaves for work," I replied.
"Got it. I need to head back to the packhouse," he said.
"Okay. Will I see you later today?" I asked, barely meeting his eyes.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game (Elena and Marcus)