Free Web NovelChapter 143: Chapter 143 Just Sleep
Sylvia’s POV
The drive back to Caesar’s estate felt surreal after the confrontation with Zane.
Helena was conspicuously absent when we entered the house. No snide remarks, no territorial posturing, not even a glimpse of her in the common areas.
"Looking for someone?" Caesar asked, his voice carrying that knowing tone that sometimes irritated me.
"Just noticing the improved atmosphere," I replied with a small smirk.
Caesar’s lips twitched with amusement as he guided me through the house with his hand lightly pressed against the small of my back. The casual possessiveness of the gesture should have annoyed me, but my wolf practically purred at his touch. freewebnovel.cσ๓
Instead of heading toward the dining room as I expected, Caesar steered me toward one of the private guest chambers. My eyebrow raised in question, but he merely opened the door, gesturing for me to enter first.
The moment the door closed behind us, Caesar’s demeanor shifted. The carefully controlled expression he maintained around others vanished, replaced by something intense and barely restrained.
"Why didn’t you tell me Zane confronted you at Frostline today?" His question came out low and controlled, but I could sense the underlying tension.
I froze. "How did you know about that?"
"Do you honestly think something like that would escape my notice?" Caesar’s midnight silver-blue eyes darkened as he stepped closer. "The Alpha of Stoneclaw Pack causing a scene outside your company headquarters, bringing reporters and attempting to humiliate you in public?"
My wolf bristled defensively. "I handled it."
"I know you did," Caesar replied, his tone softening slightly. "But that’s not the point, Sylvia."
"Then what is?" I challenged, crossing my arms. "Are you keeping tabs on me? Having me followed?"
Caesar’s jaw clenched. "I’m Wolf King of this territory. Nothing happens here without my knowledge—especially not when it involves my mate."
"I didn’t need your help," I insisted, ignoring the flutter in my chest at his use of ’mate.’ "And I don’t need you fighting my battles."
"This isn’t about your competence," Caesar said, moving closer until barely a foot separated us. "This is about respect. No Alpha comes into my territory and harasses my Luna without consequences."
The possessiveness in his tone sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. My wolf stirred restlessly, responding to his dominance in a way that made me uncomfortable.
"I’m not officially your Luna yet," I reminded him, trying to maintain my composure. "And Zane is just being petty because I humiliated him. It’s personal between us, not pack business."
"Everything involving you is my business now," Caesar stated firmly. "If Thorne approaches you again—"
"He won’t," I interrupted. "Trust me, he learned his lesson today. I made sure of it."
Caesar studied me for a moment, then a slow smile spread across his face. "I heard. The security footage was quite... illuminating."
Heat rushed to my cheeks. "You watched that?"
"Every second," he admitted without a hint of remorse. "You’re magnificent when you’re putting an Alpha in his place."
I couldn’t help the small burst of pride that bloomed in my chest at his praise. "Well, he deserved worse."
"I could arrange that," Caesar offered casually.
"No," I said firmly, stepping closer and placing my hand on his chest. "Listen to me, Caesar. I know you’re the Wolf King, but these days, our kind lives in the human world too. Business connections and financial leverage matter just as much as pack hierarchy. Stoneclaw Pack may be declining, but they still have influence. Getting personally involved in my grudge against Zane would be beneath your position."
I felt his chest rise and fall beneath my palm as he took a deep breath. "You’re protecting me now?" he asked, genuine surprise coloring his tone.
"I’m being practical," I corrected, though we both knew there was more to it. "Your reputation matters. The Blood Moon Alpha doesn’t need to soil his hands with someone like Zane Thorne."
Caesar caught my hand before I could withdraw it, holding it against his chest where I could feel the steady, powerful beat of his heart. "And if I want to soil my hands for you?"
The intensity of his gaze made my breath catch.
"Caesar..." I whispered, suddenly unsure.
His free hand came up to cup my cheek, the gesture so unexpectedly gentle that my wolf practically melted. "Do you know how hard it was for me to stay away when I saw him approaching you? Every instinct I have was screaming to tear him apart for daring to even speak to you."
My eyes widened at the raw honesty in his voice. "You were there?"
"Not physically," he admitted. "But I have eyes everywhere, Sylvia. The moment he appeared outside Frostline, I knew."
I should have felt violated by this surveillance, but instead, a warmth spread through me. No one had ever watched over me like this before—not even my own mother.
"I don’t need protection," I said, but my voice lacked conviction.
"Everyone needs protection sometimes," Caesar murmured, his thumb tracing my cheekbone. "Even fierce Alpha females who can throw grown men over their shoulders."
A reluctant smile tugged at my lips. "You enjoyed that part, didn’t you?"
"Immensely," he admitted, returning my smile with one of his own. "I’m proud of you, Sylvia. But that doesn’t change the fact that you’re mine to protect now, whether you want it or not."
The possessiveness in his words should have rankled, but instead, it sent a pleasant warmth through my body. My wolf recognized the claim, welcomed it even.
"I’ve spent my whole life fighting my own battles," I said softly. "I’m not sure I know how to let someone else fight for me."
Caesar’s eyes softened. "Then let me teach you."
His hand slid from my cheek to the nape of my neck, fingers threading into my hair as he gently pulled me closer. My wolf was suddenly very alert, anticipating his next move with eager anticipation.
"Stay with me tonight," he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Not in the guest room. In our room."
My heart stuttered. "Caesar—"
"Just to sleep," he clarified, though the heat in his eyes suggested he wanted much more.
"Just sleep?" I clarified, trying to ignore the disappointment my wolf felt at this limitation.
Caesar’s lips curved into a knowing smile. "For now. Unless you ask for more."
Heat rushed to my cheeks at his directness. "You’re not playing fair." freewёbnoνel.com
"I never claimed to," he replied, his hand moving from my hair to trail down my spine, sending shivers across my skin. "Is that a yes, Sylvia?"
I hesitated only briefly before nodding. "Yes."
