Tangled Hearts - The Alpha's Baby Mama-Chapter 263: You’re my first kiss...

Selene POV

Afterwards, we all gathered around the large sofa in the centre of the room. I settled into the plush cushions, the girls by my left side, Noah by my right while Lucius and Kurtis sat opposite me, their faces etched with concern and a thousand unspoken questions. They all started speaking at once, their faces etched with concern and a thousand unspoken questions. They all started speaking at once, voices overlapping in a chaotic blend of worry and curiosity.

"Where have you been?"

"What happened to you?"

"Are you really, okay? How did you escape Jared?"

I held up my hand, silencing them. "I appreciate all your concern," I said, my voice calm but firm. "But I’ve had a long day, and I’m not in the mood to rehash everything right now. I just need some rest."

The room fell silent, the three men exchanging glances but respecting my wishes. I knew they were all wondering how I could have escaped Jared and on a normal day, I could have just told them casually that it was Kragen, but now...my gaze strayed to Noah...I still didn’t feel guilty.

It was as if I had done the right thing. I also knew they deserved answers but I wasn’t ready to relieve the horrors of my captivity just yet. Right now, all I wanted was a moment of peace.

I stood, preparing to leave, when Noah’s voice stopped me. "Selene, wait!" he called, his tone laced with a mixture of relief and suspicion. "How did you get back? Who brought you home?"

I paused my back to them, before turning around slowly. "It was Kragen," I said simply. "He found me and brought me back."

Noah’s eyes widened in shock, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face. "Kragen? He’s been gone for so long... why would he...?"

I interrupted him, my voice was soft but resolute. "Kragen saved my life. He’s the reason I’m standing here right now,".

Lucius and Kurtis exchanged wary looks, but it was Noah who seemed the most affected by her words. The conflict in his eyes was evident; gratitude mixed with a lingering distrust of the one person he’s always seen as unpredictable and dangerous.

"Selene, you know what Kragen is – what capable of," Noah began cautiously. "Are you sure..."

"Yes!" I cut in, tired of his questions, my voice leaving no room for argument. "I know who Kragen is. But he’s also my friend and I owe him my life. He was able to do what all of you couldn’t do,".

Noah looked at me, his expression filled with guilt, though the doubt didn’t completely leave his eyes. He nodded, conceding, but I could sense that his mind was still racing with questions and concerns.

I smiled faintly, though exhaustion was creeping into my bones. "I’ll tell you everything soon. But for now, could you call one of the doctors from the hospital, I need them to check the baby and me of course," I directed the request to Lucius.

From the way he was staring at me, I knew he was onto something... Lucius always knew. Right from the day I was Xavier’s mate, I also saw unrest in his movement. Like he wanted to tell me something.

He nodded and rose to his feet exiting the room.

Without waiting for a response, I turned and headed towards the stairs, the twins trailing behind me. Both Noah and Kurtis watched me go, their eyes filled with unspoken fears and hopes.

I knew this was only the beginning of the question we all needed to face. But for now, I wanted to focus on this simple, undeniable truth that I was home, after 13 days and for a moment, that was enough.

~~~

I drifted off to sleep as soon as I finished bathing, my exhaustion from staying awake for nearly 13 days pulling me under like a heavy blanket. The soft sheets and the familiar scent of my room wrapped around me, offering a fleeting sense of comfort that I had long missed. I slept deeply, my body surrendering to the fatigue I had been pushing aside. It was only around midnight when I stirred, coming back slowly to consciousness. frёewebηovel.cѳm

I blinked, the room was shrouded in darkness except for the faint glow of moonlight seeping through the curtains. As I shifted, I became aware of a warm body lying next to me, arms gently wrapped around my waist, holding me close.

I sighed, assuming it was Noah. Without thinking, I turned in his embrace, letting myself melt deeper into the warmth. But then, a voice broke through the quiet.

"Are you awake?" the voice whispered, low and hesitant.

My eyes shot open, and my heart skipped a beat. The voice was unmistakably not Noah’s – It was Kragen’s. I sprang up, fumbling for the bedside lamp, and when I turned it on, the soft glow revealed Kragen lying beside me, his expression a mixture of guilt and something I couldn’t quite place.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice sharp with a mix of surprise and irritation. I pulled the blanket closer to me, suddenly aware of how close we had been.

Kragen sat up, his eyes downcast as he spoke. "I’m sorry, Selene. I know I shouldn’t be here, but I couldn’t help it. I tried not to think about you, but it’s impossible. I missed you."

I stared at him, my mind racing. "Kragen, it’s dangerous for you to be here," I said, my tone hushed but urgent. "What if someone walks in? How would we even begin to explain this?"

Kragen waved his hand dismissively, his confidence unshaken. "You don’t have to worry about that," he said calmly. "Noah is asleep and I made sure no one would disturb us,".

He leaned closer, his usual stoic demeanour softened by a playful smile. "You know, you were my first kiss," he confessed, his voice tinged with both embarrassment and pride.

I blinked, taken aback by the unexpected admission. I could see the faintest hint of mischief in his eyes, the kind that made him seem younger, almost innocent. I wasn’t sure if I should be angry or laugh at his boyish sincerity. Before I could decide, we were interrupted by the sound of rattling at the door.

Kragen’s expression immediately shifted, his eyes rolling as he muttered something under his breath. Without another word, he melted into the shadows, disappearing into the wall as if he was never there. I barely had time to compose myself before the door creaked open. I considered diving back under the covers and pretending to be asleep, but it was too late – Noah was already stepping into the room.

Noah’s expression was one of surprise when he saw me sitting up, the light from the lamp illuminating my face. He hesitated in the doorway, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. "Oh, you’re awake," he said, his voice laced with a mix of relief and concern. "I didn’t expect you to be up,".