Alpha's Dark Desires
Chapter 78: Finding A Footing

Chapter 78: Finding A Footing

Kane POV

The scent of pancakes wafted through the air as I stepped out of the shower, droplets of water still clinging to my skin as I grabbed a towel. I had told her to wait for me, that we’d make breakfast together, but of course, she had her own plans. Elena was stubborn like that—independent to the core—and while it occasionally annoyed me, I couldn’t deny how much I admired her for it.

By the time I walked into the kitchen, she was flipping pancakes onto a plate, her movements relaxed and confident. "You’re impatient," I said, leaning against the doorway and crossing my arms.

She didn’t even look up. "I figured I’d save us both the misery of waiting for you to try and poison me with whatever it was you made last time."

I chuckled, shaking my head as I pulled a chair out at the table. "They weren’t that bad."

"They weren’t pancakes either," she quipped, setting a plate in front of me. Her lips twitched into a playful smirk as she slid into the chair across from me, fork in hand. "Now this is what pancakes are supposed to taste like. Try not to embarrass yourself again, okay?"

I took a bite, and damn it, she was right—they were good. Edible and perfectly golden, not the disaster I’d somehow managed to create the other day. "Fine," I said between bites, a reluctant smile tugging at my lips. "You win this round."

We ate in comfortable silence for a while, the tension between us lighter than it had been in days. But I knew we couldn’t avoid the inevitable forever. The talk.

When the plates were cleared, I decided to bite the bullet. "Elena," I started, leaning back in my chair. "We should talk. About us."

Her expression shifted slightly, her guard going up as she crossed her arms over her chest. I knew she wasn’t the kind of person who enjoyed having these conversations, but it needed to happen.

"I know we’ve had a rough start," I said carefully, trying to find the right words. "But I think we can make this work. If we take it slow. See where it goes."

She looked at me for a long moment, her eyes searching mine for something I couldn’t quite place. Finally, she nodded. "Slow sounds... good. I’m not promising anything, Kane. But I’m willing to try."

Relief washed over me, though I kept it from showing too much on my face. "That’s all I’m asking for."

Then came the harder part of the conversation—the one I’d been dreading even more. The subject of my... desires.

"I know you’re worried about... you know," I began, awkwardly rubbing the back of my neck. "My sexual needs, or whatever you want to call it. But I need you to know, Elena, it doesn’t have to be that way. I’m not going to pressure you into anything."

Her brow furrowed slightly, her curiosity warring with her caution. "When I read about it, it sounded like it’s some big, terrifying thing," she said, her tone laced with skepticism.

"It’s not," I assured her, leaning forward slightly. "It’s just... different. Intense. And honestly, not as bad as you’re making it out to be."

Her lips twitched, and I could tell she was debating whether or not to ask more questions. Eventually, curiosity won out. "So, what? You’re saying it’s just this thing you do? Like a kink or something?"

I chuckled at her bluntness, though I could see she was genuinely trying to understand. "Something like that," I said. "But look, I’m not expecting you to try it out or even entertain the idea. I’m just... explaining."

She tilted her head, her curiosity flaring again. "I could show you," I said, though MY tone was cautious.

She raised an eyebrow, unsure if I was joking or serious. "Show me?"

"Not doing anything," she clarified quickly, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "Just... I don’t know. Explain it better or whatever."

I held her gaze, gauging her reaction carefully. She was curious, but not in the way that suggested she wanted to dive into anything headfirst. That was fine with me. I wasn’t going to push her.

"Alright," I said finally. "If you’re ever curious, I’ll explain as much as you want. But only if you’re comfortable. I mean that, Elena."

She nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Thanks, Kane. For not... you know, being weird about it."

I smirked at that, leaning back in my chair. "I told you—I’m trying to be better. For you."

We sat there for a moment, the tension between us easing just a bit more. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress.

Unfortunately, the peace didn’t last long. My beta’s voice suddenly echoed through my mind via our pack link, his tone exasperated.

"Alpha Kane, you need to cut this ’honeymoon’ short. Whatever it is, and it’s definitely not a honeymoon if your mate keeps trying to run away. The pack needs you."

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as the weight of responsibility came crashing back down on me. He wasn’t wrong—I’d been neglecting pack business for far too long, trying to focus on repairing the fragile bond between Elena and me. But I couldn’t ignore my duties forever.

"Trouble?" Elena asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Pack business," I admitted reluctantly. "I’ve been putting it off, but I can’t anymore. They need me to step up and be the leader I’m supposed to be."

She nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. "You should go, then. They’re your people."

"I’ll be back," I promised, standing up and reaching for my jacket. "And I’ll keep trying to be a better mate. For you and for us."

She didn’t say anything, but the look in her eyes told me enough. She wasn’t ready to trust me completely yet, but she was willing to give me a chance. And that was more than I could have hoped for.

Before I walked out the door, I turned to her. She was standing near the kitchen counter, her arms loosely crossed, a guarded expression on her face. I knew I couldn’t chain her down, and I wouldn’t want to—not after everything. But I needed her to know where I stood.

"I’ll be gone for a while," I said carefully, keeping my tone neutral. "Pack business needs my attention, and I can’t avoid it any longer."

She didn’t respond immediately, just gave me a slight nod, her lips pressed into a thin line.

I hesitated, debating how much to say. Finally, I decided to speak from my heart. "Elena," I began, stepping closer but leaving enough space between us so she wouldn’t feel cornered. "You’re free to go anywhere. You’ve always been free. But..." I paused, rubbing the back of my neck, the vulnerability in my voice surprising even me. "I’d love it if I could find you here when I get back."

Her eyes flickered with something I couldn’t quite name—surprise, maybe, or uncertainty. For a second, I thought she might argue, tell me she didn’t owe me anything, and she’d go wherever she wanted. But instead, she gave a small nod.

"I’ll think about it," she said, her tone noncommittal.

I smiled faintly, knowing that was as much of a win as I was going to get. "That’s all I’m asking."

Her gaze lingered on mine, and for a moment, there was something unspoken between us, something fragile but real. Then she looked away, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I’ll see you later, Kane," she said softly.

I nodded, grabbing my keys and heading out the door. As I walked to my car, I couldn’t help but glance back at the house. It wasn’t just a place to me anymore—it was where she was. And for the first time in a long while, I hoped that when I returned, it would still feel like home.

Okay, call me impatient or a nervous freak—whatever fits—but I need to see her. I know I haven’t been at the office long, but I’ve already handled the pressing issues that couldn’t wait. Half my work is done, and the rest can wait. My head isn’t in it anyway, not when I keep wondering what she’s doing at home.

So I made the executive decision to head back. Was it because I wanted to see her? Absolutely. Was it also to assure myself she hadn’t bolted? Maybe just a little. Not that I think she would anymore—we’re past that, right? But I’ve learned not to take anything for granted.

She’ll probably ask why I came back so soon, and honestly, I’ve already got my answer lined up. Simple. Straightforward.

"Came to eat lunch."

Perfectly reasonable, right?

As I drove, my thoughts drifted to her—her laugh, her scent, the way she teased me this morning over the pancakes I made the other day. Not my finest culinary moment, sure, but her grin had been worth it. We’d talked about us, really talked, and decided to take things slow. That gave me hope.

And then there was the other conversation—the one about my... desires. I’d tried to explain it wasn’t as overwhelming as she thought, that I wasn’t some uncontrollable beast ready to pounce. She’d been curious but cautious, and I respected that. Hell, I’d practically volunteered to show her without pushing her into anything. I wanted her to feel safe with me, not pressured.

The road blurred as I focused on the thought of her. Being a mate meant more than just protecting her—it meant being patient, giving her the space to grow comfortable with me and this whole new world she’s stepped into.

But yeah, patience isn’t exactly my strong suit. Hence why I’m on my way back, probably earlier than she’d expect.

I parked outside the house and took a steadying breath before heading to the door. I didn’t want her to think I was hovering, even if, let’s be real, I kind of was.

When I stepped inside, the familiar scent of her hit me immediately. Relief flooded me—not that I doubted she’d still be here. Okay, maybe I doubted a little, but seeing her shoes by the door and hearing faint movement in the kitchen eased that lingering fear.

She turned when she heard me, her brows lifting in surprise. "You’re back already?"

I flashed her my best sheepish grin. "Came to eat lunch."

Her lips quirked, and I could see the question in her eyes. But for now, she let it slide, and I was grateful.

Because honestly? I didn’t just come back for lunch. I came back for her.