Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)
Chapter 211 - Affected & Willing To Invite

Chapter 211: Chapter 211 - Affected & Willing To Invite

The phone almost hits the floor when I dive down after it frantically, my knees hitting the hardwood with rough friction as I clutch the device in both hands. My heart is hammering so hard I can barely breathe.

When I look down at the screen - thankfully off because my finger tapped the button - to make sure it was still intact... those pale grey eyes of this body are nowhere to be found. Only a vibrant blue staring back at me, glowing like moonlight over tundra snow.

Vrika is practically howling inside our shared mindscape, sending wave after wave of pure want and need crashing through me. The wolf’s frantic excitement feeds back into my own until I’m panting on my apartment floor.

Supernatural, regenerative healing can be felt working its mystical ways on the friction burns earned from my dramatic dive. But it heals nothing of what restraint still feels broken in my mind.

That photo held Kyrie leaning against what I imagine was a very, very open invitation. What was probably her own bedroom doorframe, hair just entirely messy like... and shirt exposing the curve of her shoulder which I had only seen briefly while she changed when we were interrupted.

But it’s her hand that hits hardest - those sharp claws of hers pressed against her skin, pulling the fabric down so intentionally and revealing the lines of her collarbone. The strap of a gray bra. The suggestion of what was beneath and waiting.

I look up at myself in the mirror across the room - eyes still glowing, chest rising and falling rapidly and deeply. The sight of myself like this... affected like this by her, sends another spike of desirous heat down my lower back.

> What we could do to each other without holding back... <

My fingers are already moving before my brain fully catches up to the whole plan. Typing out what would obviously be a completely logical and reasonable message to respond with. Considering my circumstances... and hers.

C: [You look a little tense. I’ve recently received an interesting set of clothing. Would you like to come for a relaxing swim tonight?]

Of course, we both need to see how this new swimwear performs. Not just in water, but to attract and draw eyes. And naturally, the Rimecoat Alpha should be present.

To ensure I don’t encounter any more of those dangerous situations with rogues. In my private, keycard entry apartment. Perfectly reasonable. Absolutely practical.

I’m already moving toward the door when her short reply comes back. Something about ’being right there after changing’ - I don’t really pay attention. I just smash the screen to get to the information I need.

To type back the visitor code that will only be good for the next hour. I’m halfway into the hallway and toward the elevator before I remember that humans have certain expectations about modesty and coverings when traveling through public.

> Even though everything they market makes reference to things far more indecent! <

I rush back inside to grab two towels, wrapping one around my waist with hands that are still slightly unsteady with adrenaline. The other is hung around my shoulders. Right now, I could care less that my stomach is still exposed or that I’m wearing no shoes.

Because I know she’s coming. I know she’ll see me like this. And honestly, a little less or more clothing is not really all too important to me - I can always improvise excuses. I just need her to be here!

Vrika sends me a similar flash of anticipation mixed with some sort of smug satisfaction. Mixed with a kind of predatory glee. Because despite what Kyrie mentioned about her needing to protect me from dangerous situations...

Tonight, I’m fairly certain that the rogue with big bad intentions is definitely me.

⧖ ☾ ❄ ☽ ⧖

The apartment building’s pool is on the roof and seems to be mostly empty this late in the evening in autumn. Just the soft underwater lighting casting rippling patterns across the surrounding deck and a single feminine figure cutting through the water with strong, steady strokes.

A wall-to-wall rhythm that speaks of serious exercise rather than casual recreation. But I pay the person little mind as I settle onto one of the lounge chairs to wait. Which lasts all of four seconds before I’m back up and pacing.

When I lean forward to peer down into the illuminated water, my reflection wavers back at me in distorted fragments. Helene’s face. Helene’s body. Still strange sometimes, this borrowed form that’s become mine.

The features are pleasant enough - more than pleasant, if I’m being honest - but they’re not the ones I was born with. Not the face that looked back at me in similar reflections for decades.

> But I’m growing far past caring about that particular complication. <

This body has served me well enough. It’s carried me through the initial survival, through escaping that worthless pack, through catching the attention of the most powerful Alpha in the territory.

And right now, wearing Claire’s thoughtful gift, it’s going to serve a very specific purpose. My lips curve into what can only be described as a predatory smirk as I consider exactly how might be best to approach the seduction I want to plan out this time.

How far I can push Kyrie’s restraint before it finally snaps? How many boundaries can I test at once. Obviously guilty touches and completely loaded glances... will she not break her promises in seconds flat?

"If it isn’t our mysterious spa client. What are you... doing here?"

The voice that feels somewhat familiar interrupts my plotting. I look up to see the lone swimmer has finally taken a break. She treads water near the pool’s edge, her hair slicked back and a sort of knowing smile on her face.

She recognized me quickly despite my very different attire. Despite the fact that I’m wearing my hair up this way. I suppose I made an impression, but it does take me much longer to recognize who she is.

"...Dahlia, right?"

The masseuse who provides the oil massages at Crystalline Spa dips her head and raises her hand in a little cheeky salute. Before whistling and shaking her head at me...