The Alpha King's Mistress Chapter 74: Surprise Breakfast

Florence’s Pov

I woke up to the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains. The scent of morning lingered, and I found myself in an unfamiliar but comfortable bed. As I stirred, memories of the previous night flooded back, and I realized I was in Nicholas's room.

A subtle rustling beside me caught my attention. Turning my head, I saw Nicholas still asleep, his features relaxed in the early morning light. The way his dark hair fell slightly over his forehead gave him that relaxed appearance. I couldn't help but smile, memorizing his features.

I resisted the urge to get up and instead snuggled closer to Nicholas. I felt him pulled me close. Maybe his subconscious knew it was me.

Losing track of time when I stirred awake for the second time, it was to the faint clattering of utensils.

Rubbing my eyes, I sit up, only to catch Nicholas half-naked, rocking just his gray sweatpants, setting up a breakfast feast like it's a morning photo shoot. Hair messy, biceps flexing, brow furrowed in concentration – and those abs. Seriously, he looked like he was shooting a morning abs-themed campaign effortlessly and totally slaying it.

"Wow," I blurted out, my eyes stuck on his face and, well, the rest of him.

Definitely the best morning ever.

"Did I wake you up?" he asked, catching me in my daze.

I blinked, shaking my head, "Huh? No, no… no."

He raised a brow, looking a bit confused but then smoothly suggested, "Join me for breakfast."

"O...okay," I mumbled, caught off guard, "I'll just... uhm... go to the bathroom."

Yeah, smooth exit, me.

Nicholas nodded as he continued arranging the food on the table. I bit my lip, trying to hold back a smile, and made my way to the bathroom.

After a quick five-minute session, I strolled back to the couch. I noticed Nicholas hastily putting down his phone, his breakfast still untouched. A sly smile spread across my face.

"Waiting for me, were you?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.

He looked at me, his gaze momentarily drifting to my chest before he cleared his throat, focusing on my face, "No, I just got caught up."

I chuckled, not entirely convinced by his denial, and took a seat, eyeing the delicious spread on the table.

"This smells really nice. Who cooked this?"

He casually replied, "I did."

I nodded, then asked, "What time did you get up?"

"9," he sighed, sounding a bit disappointed. "Was already out of my routine, so I decided to cook breakfast instead."

"Why the glum face? You should be celebrating. You look even more handsome when you're well-rested. Morning glow suits you," I added, taking a sip of the coffee. "Hmm... this is good."

He frowned, looking at me, "So, you're saying I looked horrible yesterday, and that's why my warriors caught your eye? Is that it?"

I burst into laughter, shaking my head, "You're so petty. Just eat your food, Mr. Alpha" and began eating while ignoring his intense glare at me.

He was too….cute that I want to tease him more in the future.

Soon after, we wrapped up our meal. I couldn't help but observe Nicholas, watching those lips of his as he wiped them with a napkin and tossed them onto the table.

Okay, stop right there, brain! No need for inappropriate thoughts this early in the morning.

But before I could steer my mind away from the danger zone, Nicholas turned to me, raising an eyebrow as if questioning my internal monologue.

"I need you to stay inside the castle today" he casually said.

I arched an eyebrow, "What? Can't I explore a bit? Check out the premises?"

"No."

"Why don't you throw me in a prison cell and slap some handcuffs on me?"

He smirked, “You want handcuffs?”

I rolled my eyes at him, "Are you serious right now? You could have woken me up in the middle of the night and dragged me back to the cabin if you were planning to lock me up here."

Yeah, typical us. Fighting in the morning.

“You have a lot of anger early in the morning”

“And who the dumb person would be all sweet-talk when they're about to get locked up?"

Nicholas stared at me for a moment before sighing, "Fine, but stay within the castle grounds."

I smiled and nodded, "Call. But no tailing me."

He frowned, "What—"

"I knew you had someone watching me. I've had enough of that every day,"

He clicked his tongue as if weighing whatever he was thinking.

“Okay, fine,” he continued, his expression morphing into a more serious demeanor. "I'll be busy later. The Werewolf Council is arriving the day after tomorrow, and I need to ensure everything is in place, especially security."

"Got it. I'll stay out of your way then."

“I don't need you to stay out of my way; I want you to stay beyond the castle grounds. I can't afford to waste more energy chasing you for another attempted escape that will surely fail anyway.”

I squinted at him, annoyed at my features, and gritted, “Your message was well received.”

As he made his way to the door, about to leave, watching his back triggered memories of Isaac's comment about his restlessness.

"Hey, I'll be waiting for lunch. Join me,"

Nicholas arched an eyebrow, “I can't.”

I shrugged, “Then I won't eat.”

He stared at me for a long, tense moment that forced me to look away, feeling my cheeks heat under the intensity of his gaze. Amusement danced in his eyes, and it seemed like he was amused and attempting to read me at the same time.

"Where will you be?" he suddenly asked, surprising me.

"That's your mission. You'll have to find me," I grinned, "And don't forget to bring lunch. I don't want to ask the maid to make something.”

Nicholas nodded and opened the door, stepping outside. I followed closely behind him when he suddenly stopped, turning to me, almost causing me to collide with his chest. Not that I'd mind, honestly.

“Don't just stop like that!”

“Where the fck do you think you're going dressed like that?” he gritted, eyeing my attire, which consisted only of his oversized black shirt.

“Layla’s room? There are only maids outside, so it's fine.”

“Do you even know where it is?”

I rolled my eyes, irritation creeping in, “I have a mouth to ask a question.”

“You will never let me have the last word, will you?”

“Well… at least you're aware—”

He cut me off abruptly, "Wait here. Layla's bringing you new clothes."

"Oh, come on, you're bothering her early in the morning."

“And do you think that pathetic excuse is much more reasonable than the fact that you are letting others see your nipples that are piercing through your shirt and begging to be sucked?” he snapped.

My eyes widened at his blunt words, “W-what the heck are you saying?!”

Didn't expect that. I felt my cheeks burning so I instinctively covered my chest with my arms. Pathetic, I know.

Nicholas's expression shifted abruptly, his tone turning unexpectedly deadly. "I assure you that if you go out there, you will meet my warriors going in and out until 8:30. Now, if you don't want me to unintentionally reprimand my men just by looking at you, you'll stay here and wait for Layla. I've had enough of that yesterday.”

“That’s not—”

“Is that a yes or no?” he asked with a deep frown.

I stared at him for a moment, absorbing his words. Jealousy and protectiveness. Those were the only two words circling in my head after hearing him. However, this side of him might be my favorite. It was nice, even for just a second, I felt like we were normal mates.

I sighed, raising my hand beside my head in surrender, "Okay, okay! I'll wait for Layla"

He regarded me seriously before finally leaving the room, shutting the door firmly.

“Jerk,” I grumbled, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

My gaze wandered aimlessly toward a nearby photograph. I bit my lip, remembering what I had discovered last night.