Chapter 158
Betrayed by Blood
Cain stirred awake before the sun had fully risen. His arm was draped over Avery’s waist, her body pressed against him, her steady breathing filling the quietness of the room. He didn’t move at first, only staring at her.
His fingers brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek, his touch light, almost hesitant. She looked peaceful like this, unaware of the way he watched her, taking in the softness of her expression.
Her eyes fluttered open suddenly, a small smile coming to rest on her face. "What were you doing, Alpha Cain?" she asked.
He merely arched an eyebrow, "Why? Can’t I look at my mate now?" he asked, and she ducked her head shyly. Her eyes still heavy with sleep. She had felt his presence even in her sleep, and when she opened her eyes, she wasn’t too surprised to see him staring at her.
Cain watched as she stretched, the soft morning light accentuating the graceful curve of her body. His gaze lingered for a moment before he sat up, running a hand through his hair.
"Are you teaching those kids again today?" he asked, and she stiffened. Did he not like her teaching them?
Cain’s eyebrows furrowed as her thoughts filtered into his head. He looked at her, seeing the distant expression on her face. "No, that’s not—I’m just asking. I don’t mean I don’t want you teaching them. You can do anything you want."
Avery stared at him, her lower lip caught between her teeth. "Are you sure?" she asked, clearly still wary of him. He had no one to blame for this except himself.
"Yeah, I’m sure. Teach them. Do whatever you’d like to do. I promise I won’t have any problem with that."
Avery smiled, feeling more satisfied now that she had gotten his approval. Cain, on the other hand, couldn’t get the image of her hesitant face or the panic in her voice when she wondered if he didn’t like her teaching the children.