CHAPTER 266: I LOVE YOU

Meredith.

His breath brushed along my ear, and then his jaw nudged against my cheek in a slow, deliberate caress that sent a shiver racing down my spine.

I chuckled softly, trying not to melt into him. "Draven... I have a training session with your brother."

His response was immediate, low and possessive. "No need. I’m back now. You don’t need to train with Dennis anymore."

I bit back a smile. I already had a feeling that today’s morning training session wouldn’t hold. And as if Dennis knew as well, he hadn’t bothered to call me.

"So when," I asked, tilting my head to meet Draven’s golden gaze, "do you plan to assess my training?"

His lips quirked into the faintest smirk. "Later this evening."

Then, as if that settled everything, he tugged me closer until I was practically lying on top of him.

"For now," he murmured, "stay here with me."

I sighed, pretending to relent, though my heart was already softening. Nestling into his warmth, I let him hold me. But soon, his fingers began to roam, trailing along the bare skin of my back in a slow, suggestive pattern, attempting to move further down.

"Draven," I caught his hand almost immediately, holding it firmly.

He hummed, feigning innocence, but I felt the subtle wiggle of his fingers, testing my grip. My lips curved into a sly smile.

"Not this morning. My body is still sore... thanks to you."

Instead of answering, he gave me that look—that wickedly amused glint that made my cheeks heat.

I cleared my throat and quickly changed the subject. "Are you that tired? It’s rare for you to still be in bed at this hour."

"Mhm." His hum vibrated against my skin, rich and lazy, though his hand was still very much trying to escape my hold.

I laughed under my breath, refusing to let him win. "How about this then? Do you want a massage?"

That got his attention. His gaze sharpened slightly, then softened again, a quiet spark of pleasure in his eyes.

"Yes," he said simply, the weight of his voice sending a warmth through me.

I kissed his chest lightly before slipping out of bed. He made a low sound of protest, but I ignored it, padding across the room.

Inside his dressing room, I pulled one of his shirts off the hanger—soft, comfortable, smelling faintly of him—and slipped it over my bare skin.

It hung loose on me, brushing against my thighs, the sleeves slightly too long. Somehow, wearing his clothes felt like wearing his claim.

Stopping by the bathroom shelf, I grabbed a balm jar, then walked back to the bedroom where he was sprawled across the sheets, golden eyes fixed solely on me.

I grinned, holding up the balm as I climbed back onto the bed. "Now lie still, Alpha. Let me take care of you."

Draven rolled onto his stomach without a word, his broad back stretching across the bed, muscles shifting beneath his skin as though sculpted by the gods themselves.

His obedience surprised me. I thought he would try to tease or test me—but today he just settled in, resting his head on his folded arms, golden eyes closed.

I straddled him gently, the oversized shirt falling like a soft curtain around me. Opening the balm jar, I scooped a bit with my fingers. The scent of crushed herbs and mint filled the air, sharp but calming.

When my palms touched his back, warm skin meeting mine, he let out a low exhale, almost a growl but softer, content. I spread the balm across his shoulders, the coolness quickly melting under his heat.

"Too much pressure?" I asked softly.

"No," he rumbled, voice muffled against his arms. "Perfect."

I smiled to myself, kneading into the knots at his shoulders, slowly working down his spine.

Every now and then, he shifted under my touch, the muscles of his back rippling as though he were resisting the urge to purr. His breath grew heavier, slower.

"You’ve been carrying tension here," I murmured, pressing firmer into the base of his neck.

He chuckled, the sound vibrating through me where I sat on him. "What do you expect, wife? I already carry a kingdom."

The title sent a soft warmth into my chest. "Then let me carry this for you," I whispered, leaning forward to brush a kiss on the back of his neck before continuing the massage.

His hand suddenly shifted, reaching back to rest on my thigh. He didn’t squeeze, didn’t move—just held me there, as if needing the reminder that I was close. The simple gesture made my heart skip.

"You’re good at this," he said, his voice deeper now, rich with something more than relaxation.

I highly doubted that, still I smirked even though he couldn’t see it. "You sound surprised."

"I shouldn’t be," he replied. "I’m happy that you are finding ways to take care of me, even when I didn’t ask."

My hands paused for just a second, my chest tightening at the unexpected softness in his tone. I bent down, resting my cheek briefly against his back.

"It’s because I love you," I said quietly, almost afraid of how much I meant it because at this point, I didn’t even know what was pushing me into this confession.

There was silence for a heartbeat, then suddenly, Draven’s hand tightened slightly on my thigh.

"Say that again," he whispered.

I sat up, my fingers gliding down his spine in one long, slow stroke. "I love you, Draven."

This time, he turned his head, just enough to catch my eyes over his shoulder. His gaze burned gold, raw and unguarded. "And I, Draven, will burn the world for you."

I swallowed hard, my chest fluttering, my hands still pressed to the heat of his skin. For a moment, we didn’t need anything else—not words, not more touches. Just the quiet weight of truth between us.

At last, I resumed the massage, softer now, more about savoring him than soothing tension. His breathing slowed, his body finally easing under me, and I realized he trusted me enough to let go.

When I was done, I capped the balm and leaned down, pressing a trail of light kisses along his shoulder blade.

"Now," I teased gently, "are you relaxed enough to face breakfast with the entire house?"

He gave a low laugh, rolling slightly beneath me so I almost toppled forward. Catching me with one arm, he pulled me against his chest and murmured into my ear, "Only if you sit beside me."