Chapter 335: Sage is controlling
Casaio’s fingers traced lightly across Zilia’s cheek, his touch lingering over the faint marks scattered along her neck and shoulders, remnants of the passion they had surrendered to the night before.
A quiet satisfaction flickered in his eyes; their love, which they had restrained for long, had finally claimed its rightful space.
Slipping from the bed, he padded into the washroom. The sound of the shower filled the silence, and as warm water cascaded over him, memories of her soft moans and the way she clung to him replayed vividly in his mind.
A smile tugged at his lips, refusing to fade even as he turned off the tap. Draping himself in a bathrobe, he brushed his teeth, the anticipation of returning to her already pulling him back toward the bedroom.
But Zilia was still fast asleep, her breathing steady, her hair spread across the pillow. Casaio paused for a moment, watching her, before deciding to let her rest undisturbed.
Dressing quietly, he made his way to the kitchen. A maid was already at work, and upon seeing him, bowed to him.
"I’ll cook today," he said. "Take care of the rest of the chores."
The maid gave a respectful bow before quietly leaving the kitchen.
Casaio busied himself with preparing a simple yet thoughtful breakfast. From the wall cabinet, he drew out a tray, ready to take it upstairs, when he suddenly felt a pair of arms circle his waist.
"Good morning," Zilia’s soft voice brushed against his ear.
A faint smile curving his lips. He released the tray and turned, finding her standing there in the dress he had bought for her not long ago. It had a deep blue fabric with flared sleeves, scattered with delicate white tulip prints.
"I was going to bring breakfast upstairs," he admitted, his gaze lingering on her. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes," Zilia answered with a small nod, her voice carrying that softness only he could bring. She stepped past him gracefully, lifting the plates from the counter.
"I’ll take these," she said, carrying them out toward the sunlit table on the balcony, where the morning breeze already waited to embrace them.
Casaio helped her carry the dishes, and soon the two settled at the balcony table.
"We’ll visit Idris today after his classes," Casaio said as he lifted the spoon, tasting the soup he had carefully prepared.
Zilia set her fork down for a moment. "You’re working on the case related to hunters. I can visit Idris on my own. You should stay focused there."
A low chuckle left Casaio’s lips. "He waits more eagerly to see me than you," he teased lightly, then added with sincerity, "And I need to speak with the dean as well. Nick and June’s wedding is coming up soon. Idris will be there too. It’s important he feels part of our family."
Zilia’s smile deepened at his words, a warmth blooming in her chest. "Idris is lucky to have you as his brother-in-law," she said, picking up her fork again and taking a small bite of the omelette.
Casaio didn’t answer with words, only offered her one of his faint, thoughtful smiles. He lifted the glass of pomegranate juice, taking a sip as his gaze lingered on her.
"I was thinking," Zilia began softly, her eyes fixed on the morning horizon, "that maybe... we should think about having a child soon."
Realizing how abruptly the words had left her mouth, Zilia’s cheeks warmed. She quickly fumbled, " I-I was just thinking out loud..."
Casaio set the glass back onto the table, his eyes never leaving hers.
"It’s not just my decision, Zilia. It’s yours," he said gently. "Are you certain you want to carry a pup? Are you ready for what comes with it?"
He leaned forward slightly, making sure she understood the sincerity in his words. "If your answer is yes, then I’m all in, with every part of me. But your comfort, your choice... that matters to me more than anything else."
Zilia smiled warmly, feeling overwhelmed. They were growing together and the thought of it made her happy.
~~~~
Katelyn couldn’t sleep the entire night after realizing Sage would not leave her sight.
’Why don’t you give it a try?’ Her wolf, Silver, asked. ’Karmen is out of our league now. He has rejected us twice. So, it’s better to explore,’ she opined.
’Sage is controlling. Can’t you feel it? And being an alpha, it makes him even more arrogant. You can’t see it, Silver,’ Katelyn murmured in the back of her head.
Turning off the treadmill, Katelyn made her way to the kitchen and brewed a strong black coffee. Cradling the warm mug in her hands, she stepped out onto the balcony, letting the morning air brush against her skin as she sipped slowly.
Her eyes scanned the opposite apartment building and froze. A figure stood on a balcony far across, unmistakably familiar.
’Why... why is he here? He appeares to be Sage?’ she murmured, rubbing her eyes as if to clear them.
When she looked again, the figure was gone, vanished as if it had never been there. A soft laugh escaped her lips. ’I guess Sage is just all in my head... that’s why I’m even seeing him,’ she whispered, shaking her head at the thought.
Katelyn returned to her apartment and set the empty mug in the sink. She was heading toward her bedroom when the sharp ring of her phone pulled her attention.
Glancing at the couch, she picked it up and saw Sage’s name flashing on the screen. With a quick swipe, she answered.
"I know I have to go with you to another city, so don’t ruin my morning mood," she said.
They had planned to leave the day before, but Sage’s pack had demanded his attention, forcing the delay.
"You’ve ten minutes to get ready," Sage added, asserting control over the situation despite the early hour.
"Wait! Are you kidding?" Katelyn snapped at him, but the line had already went dead.