After One Night with the Alpha Chapter 97

Elle's POV

Brad's expression darkened for a moment, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. "Marissa has nothing to do with where I sleep."

"But—" Before I could finish my sentence, Brad's uninjured left hand suddenly shot out and pulled me firmly against his chest.

"Time to sleep!" he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.

I found myself pressed against him, breathing in his familiar cologne. The abrupt shift from our awkward conversation to this... unexpected tenderness left me completely off-balance.

*What the hell is happening here?* The Brad who had been cold and distant for a week, who had brought Marissa home yesterday, was now holding me like... like he actually wanted me here.

"Brad, I don't understand—" I started to protest, my voice muffled against his chest.

"Just sleep, Elle," he said more gently, his hand stroking my hair.

Despite my confusion, drowsiness was creeping in. My eyelids felt heavy, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheek was oddly comforting.

*This doesn't make sense,* I thought drowsily.

But fighting it seemed pointless. I was exhausted from the emotional roller coaster of the past week, and his arms felt so safe, so warm. Against my better judgment, I found myself relaxing against him, using his arm as a pillow.

"Why are you doing this?" I whispered into the darkness, not sure if I really wanted an answer.

But Brad didn't respond. His breathing had already started to even out, and I realized he was falling asleep too.

Within minutes, I was fast asleep.

---

I woke up the next morning to sunlight streaming through the windows and an empty bed. Brad was already gone.

Sitting up, I opened the curtains wider, letting the warm morning light fill the entire bedroom. "That feels good," I murmured, stretching.

But as I became more awake, the strangeness of last night hit me. Brad's sudden shift in behavior, the way he'd held me, the gentle way he'd stroked my hair... None of it made sense with how he'd been treating me.

*Maybe I dreamed it?* But no, I could still smell his cologne on the pillow beside me.

A soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in," I called.

Martha entered with her usual warm smile, carrying a glass of clear water and a cup of fresh milk.

"Good morning," she said cheerfully.

I accepted the milk gratefully, rubbing my temples. "I slept so deeply," I admitted, feeling surprisingly well-rested despite everything.

Though as I said it, I realized something unsettling. I'd gotten so used to sleeping in Brad's arms that sleeping alone again felt... incomplete somehow.

*That's dangerous thinking, Elle.*

"Mrs. Rayne, I have some wonderful news," Martha continued, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement. "Mr. Rayne has lifted your... restrictions. You're free to go wherever you'd like now!"

I nearly choked on my milk. "What? Just like that?"

"He suggested you might enjoy getting out and about, perhaps doing some shopping or sightseeing."

I shook my head in amazement. "Brad Rayne is so fucking unpredictable. House arrest one day, freedom the next. What's his deal?"

Martha looked slightly uncomfortable with my language but continued smiling. "Perhaps helping him with his injury last night earned you some... consideration?"

The memory of last night in the bathroom hit me like a freight train, and I felt my ears burning with embarrassment. To distract myself from those particular memories, I quickly changed the subject.

"Where did Brad go this morning?"

"Mr. Rayne left for the office quite early," Martha replied.

I was about to ask about Marissa when Martha's expression turned positively gleeful.

"Oh, and Elle, you'll be pleased to know that Miss Hopkins has been... asked to leave."

I couldn't hide my surprise. "She's gone? But Brad just brought her back yesterday!"

Martha's satisfaction was barely concealed. "Mr. Rayne had her removed before dawn. Quite decisively, I'm told."

"That's... quite the turnaround," I said slowly. "He brings her home yesterday, kicks her out before sunrise. That's pretty brutal, even for Brad."

Martha was clearly enjoying this development. "Mr. Rayne does like to... make his intentions clear."

"His mood swings are giving me whiplash," I muttered. "He's completely unpredictable. I never know what to expect from him."

Seeing that Martha's attention had wandered - probably to thoughts of romantic victory - I smiled and decided to take advantage of my newfound freedom.

"Well, since I'm apparently allowed out now, would you like to go somewhere? Maybe do some shopping?"

Martha's face lit up. "Oh, there's a lovely new luxury shopping center that just opened! It has all the best stores."

I felt my stomach drop slightly. "Right... shopping. With what money?"

Martha's smile became mysteriously knowing. "Mrs. Elizabeth gave you an unlimited credit card, remember? I believe Mr. Rayne arranged that."

I stared at her, my mind reeling. Brad's behavior was becoming more and more confusing by the hour.

The deliberate kindness he was showing me left me feeling conflicted. If Brad kept being considerate like this, leaving would become so much harder when the time came. But if he remained cold and distant, walking away would be easier.

*What if he continues to be good to me?* I wondered with growing anxiety. *When I leave after the baby is born, I'll feel so guilty.*

*But if he keeps being cold and distant, then leaving will be easy - no emotional baggage.*

My hand unconsciously went to my belly as these thoughts swirled through my mind.

*Brad, what exactly are you thinking?* I wondered silently.