Page 51 of Ruthless Reign

"Red," he groans, lifting my thigh higher as he slams into me one final time, his release spilling into my pussy.

Our kisses start to slow down as he lowers me to my feet, and I feel his release drip down my thighs, disappearing into the water below.

Lex reaches for the soap, taking his time as he washes my body while I lean back against the wall for support. Once he's finished, I push off the tiles, returning the favor until we both smell like coconut.

We climb out of the shower, drying off, and dismiss the idea of clothes as we fall into the large bed, pulling the blankets over our naked bodies. I cuddle into his side, adjusting my pillow, and as soon as my head hits it, I instantly fall into a dreamless sleep.

The next morning, I'm woken up by Lex kissing my shoulder as his arm curls around my waist.

I know what today's going to bring, and surprisingly, I'm not worried at all.

We're set to meet Alpha Daxton in his office to discuss the next steps. In addition, I've decided it's time to speak to my alphas together. We don't have time to avoid all the awkward conversations, and I feel like I need to embrace all of this. After all, it's my duty and fate to step into this role. I have no idea what that's going to look like, but I know we'll work it out together.

Lex is on the same page, thankfully, and has reassured me that he'll help work out logistics. The challenge is going to be Maverick, but regardless of everything, I think we both finally realize that we're stronger together. As much as I hate to admit it, getting kidnapped was probably the best thing to happen to us. It forced us to face our unspoken feelings, pushing us together.

I know that there's still a lot of trauma for him, particularly with the fears about his parents. But I'll do whatever it takes to help ease them.

After we've gotten dressed and had some breakfast, we head into town. When we step into Alpha Daxton's office, I spot Maverick and Cade, sitting on opposite sides of the room. My leader is in his usual spot behind his desk, and he gives us a nod as we enter.

"Last as usual," he goads.

It feels like déjà vu and I elbow Lex, already sensing the crude comment forming on his lips. He laughs under his breath, guiding me over to the vacant seat next to Maverick.

Before I sit down, I stand over him, watching as Maverick glances up. When our eyes meet, I lean down, grabbing his face and kissing him. I feel his surprise as his body tenses slightly, but to my relief, he kisses me back without shame or hesitation.

"If you're finished now…" Alpha Daxton says, annoyed.

Across the room, I sense Cade's eyes on me, and I start moving toward him before I even realize. He watches me warmly, and the tension in the room kicks up a notch. Leaning down, I grabthe sides of his face, placing a small kiss on his forehead as a sign of good faith and unity.

I go to pull back, but his hands shoot to my hips, holding me in place.

"Come on, Rocky. You can do better than that," he teases, laughing as I scowl at the nickname.

"Seriously?" I snap.

Cade grins, lifting one of his hands to brush some fallen tendrils of hair behind my ear. "Sounds quite fitting to me," he muses.

"Don't push your luck," I grumble, moving back to take my place next to Maverick.

Alpha Daxton lets out a sigh, shaking his head. Thankfully, he doesn't say anything further on the interaction, jumping straight into business. "I'm still undecided as to what to do about Orson's attack. As much as I want to sort it out right now, I don't think it's the time to act hastily."

"We have to avenge Tyler," I say firmly. "We also don't know what else they have done—if they were responsible for some of the other attacks. Not to mention if they have done it to us, what other packs have they targeted?"

"We will," Alpha Daxton promises. "But until we have everything under control, the last thing we need is an all-out war. We need time to prepare so that we don't lose anyone else."

Lex grabs my hand, stroking my knuckles with his thumb. "The other issue is now that Orson knows we are here, our packs are vulnerable. He might see it as an opportunity to attack."

Maverick nods, crossing his arms. "We're between a rock and a hard place. If we leave here to protect our own territories, he might come back if he thinks there's a chance to gain leverage against Daxton's pack. But if we stay, he could target mine and Lex's packs."

"And mine," Cade chimes in. "Or am I just chopped liver?"

Maverick shoots him a dirty glare. "You can be if you want."

I roll my eyes at their bickering. "Let's not kill each other. That will make Alpha Orson's job so much easier."

"Agreed," Alpha Daxton replies, firing up his laptop. "If you feel it's best to head home, then please do so. We'll manage here."

"But what about Nyx?" Maverick asks, turning to face me. "Now, we're exactly in the predicament I feared."

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