Desired By Three Alphas; Fated To One novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20: In His Arms

Hailee’s POV

His hoodie was up, his face shadowed, but there was no mistaking him. He looked up at me, his eyes met mine—dark, tired, and filled with concern. I blinked, unsure if I was dreaming.

But I wasn’t.

He was really here.

My heart kicked up in my chest, a different kind of ache blooming inside me.

I slowly opened the window. The cold night air rushed in, brushing against my skin.

"Nathan...?" I whispered.

"I had to see you," he said, his voice low and rough. "I couldn’t sleep... I’m so worried."

He looked it too—hair messy, eyes slightly swollen like he hadn’t rested a second since I left.

I just stared at him, stunned. What had gotten into him?

"I also want to explain the situation with Ariella..."

I cut him off. "Everyone knows you two are fuck buddies."

Nathan frowned, but didn’t argue about it.

"Can I come in?" he asked, almost pleading.

I frowned. Every part of me wanted to say no. He should go home and rest. But I knew Nathan. He was stubborn. If I refused, he wouldn’t leave... and honestly, I didn’t have the strength to argue tonight.

Without saying a word, I stepped back from the window and made my way to the bed, my legs wobbling slightly. My body still ached, every nerve begging to rest and start healing—but now, with Nathan here, I’d have to wait.

I sat down carefully, trying to look fine... to seem okay. But he noticed. Of course, he did.

Nathan stepped inside quietly and walked straight to me, stopping right in front of the bed. His eyes searched my face with concern.

"You were fine a few hours ago," he said gently, his brows furrowed. "What happened, Hailee? What’s suddenly wrong?"

I froze.

My heart raced.

I needed to say something. Anything.

I quickly searched my brain for a lie that made sense. Then it hit me.

"My period," I muttered, not meeting his gaze. "It... it just started. And it’s really painful tonight."

Silence.

Relief flooded me. Some boys couldn’t handle that kind of thing. They’d run from it like it was a disease. I was almost certain Nathan was one of them. He’d probably be out the window in a minute.

I cleared my throat, trying to create space between us.

"You should go," I said quietly, laying down and pulling the blanket over my body. "I’ll be fine."

But instead of leaving, he crouched beside the bed.

"I’m not leaving," he said softly.

My brows pulled together in confusion.

"I heard once... that when a girl is on her period, a hug from a wolf male can help with the pain," he said, almost shyly. "I don’t know if it’s true—but... I want to try. I want to help."

I blinked, startled by his words.

Was he... serious?

Before I could process it, he added, "You wiped my forehead when I was burning up. Let me return the favor."

My lips parted to reject his offer, to tell him I didn’t need his pity or his kindness—not after everything. But before I could get the words out, he cut me off gently.

"I promise I’ll be a gentleman," he said, his voice so soft it barely carried over the silence. "I just want to help... You look pale, Hailee."

I stared at him, confused, unsettled.

This wasn’t Nathan.

This couldn’t be the same guy who spent the past four years making my life miserable. Who mocked me in the hallways, ignored me like I didn’t matter.

And yet... here he was. Kneeling beside my bed like he cared.

I swallowed hard, feeling the lump rising in my throat. Against my better judgment, my head gave a tiny nod.

He stood slowly and reached for the hem of his hoodie.

I blinked.

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