Beneath the Alpha's Composure

I watched her sleep.

There was something peaceful about the way Hazel curled slightly onto her side, one hand tucked beneath her cheek, her dark hair splayed across the cream-colored pillow. She'd been out for hours now, completely oblivious to being moved from the couch where she'd initially fallen asleep to one of my guest bedrooms.

Her bonds had carried her here, careful not to wake her. The protective way they'd handled her body made something primitive inside me growl with jealousy, but I'd pushed it down. When they'd suggested staying at the academy instead of my home, I'd refused, saying Hazel needed uninterrupted rest.

The truth was more selfish. I couldn't bear the thought of her being anywhere but close to me tonight.

Her chest rose and fell with each breath, her face softer in sleep than I'd ever seen it while awake. No furrowed brow, no confused glances, no walls up. Just Hazel, vulnerable and trusting despite not knowing why she felt safe here.