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Ella
Each exhale from my heaving chest is a raspy, desperate sigh for the rest that never comes. The only other sounds in the silent room is the shifting of blankets and rustling sheets caused by my tossing and turning.
The occasional creaking of the mattress underneath me frustrates me further as I persist in my struggle to find sleep.
Exhausted and depressed, I turn on the bed and stare at the ceiling.
The steady thud of my heart, like a drum, echoing in my ears, is a constant reminder of being awake. Despite my tiredness, I can’t sleep, I’m so close, yet it’s just beyond my grasp.
I heave a deep sigh of irritation as I kick my legs out of the bed and shove my feet into the fluffy slippers that Walker bought me.
After strolling to the chair in the corner, I grab my robe, shrugging it over my shoulders before making my way to the bedroom door.
My body and bones ache from fighting with Gabe, each movement a heavy groan of protest, but I know Jake will make me feel alive again.
I glance out of my bedroom, scanning the hallway left and right before I turn to his room.
My breaths come in labored sighs as the sound of his door creaks open. A total contrast to the silence of his room.
“Jake,” I whisper. “Are you awake?”
“Ella?” His voice comes from the darkness. “Come here.”
I rush to his side as he drags the covers back. The rustle of cotton sheets and shifting pillows echoes through the room as he makes a space for me.
“Are you okay?” His tone is subdued, like he doesn’t want anyone to know I’m there.
“I need you to hold me,” I reply. “I don’t want to be alone.”
“Oh Ella, come here. You know I’m always here for you.” He kisses the side of my head. “I’m glad you came to me.”
I know Jake is insecure about being here with these older, more experienced alphas. “You’re mine, Jake.”
Again, he kisses my temple. “I am. And you’re mine.”
“The five days are up tomorrow.” My voice is quiet, like I’m the one who is suddenly worried someone, more likely Walker, will overhear. “Can we go home?”
Jake sighs. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? What if the car was following you?”
“I think I overreacted. I only spoke to my mother that afternoon and when I think back, Sienna told me the car had been hanging around for a few days.”
Jake sighs. “If you’re sure you’ll feel safe.”
“I will,” I say, straddling Jake and leaning low to kiss his lips. “I love you.”
“Ella.” Jake gasps.
I press my finger over his lips. “You don’t have to tell me. I just wanted you to know. You did everything for me. You gave up your perfect life when I called you, telling you I was running away. And now we live in a crappy apartment, and here I am, once again, asking you to leave this amazing lifestyle to go back there. But I don’t care. All I want is you.”
His hand grabs the back of hair and pulls me to him. Our lips collide in a passionate kiss, and I can feel the weight of the past few days melting away.
Just Jake and me, lost in each other in the dimly lit room.
When we finally break apart, Jake’s eyes search mine in the darkness, his gaze filled with so much love. “Are you sure about going back tomorrow?” he asks softly.
I take a deep breath and bite my lip as I steady my nerves. “If you claim me tonight, then nothing matters anymore. I’ll be yours forever.”
“Ella...”
