Chapter Thirteen

IVY’S POV

A gentle knock at my door woke me up from a surprisingly deep sleep.

The maid bowed softly as I sat up, informing me that breakfast was ready. Usually, a tray was brought straight to my bedside, but today she gestured for me to follow her downstairs.

When I stepped into the dining room, my feet paused against the cold marble floor.

The dining hall was magnificent, illuminated by a towering crystal chandelier that cast warm light over a massive, polished mahogany table. But what made my breath hitch wasn't the décor, it was the two people sitting there. Prince Leo sat at the far end, his broad shoulders filling out a dark tailored suit, while Doctor Rachel sat off to the side.

The maid guided me to the head of the table directly opposite Leo, placing me a safe distance away from him. Doctor Rachel offered a quiet, reassuring smile from her seat right beside mine.

"Good morning, Ivy," Leo said, his deep baritone voice rumbling through the quiet room. "How are you feeling today?"

I clutched my linen napkin tight under the table, my chest fluttering with a sudden wave of nerves. "I'm... I'm doing well, thank you," I mumbled, keeping my eyes fixed on my plate.

Even though I felt on edge, a small part of me felt grateful for the long expanse of wood between us. He was staying on his side, intentionally giving me space so I wouldn't panic.

"Please, let's enjoy our meal," Leo said softly.

My eyes widened slightly at the display before us. Plates piled high with fluffy scrambled eggs, thick-cut bacon, toasted sourdough, fresh berries, smoked salmon, and warm pastries covered the center of the table alongside jars of fresh juices and tea.

We began to eat in quiet rhythm, the soft clinking of silverware filling the air.

After a few minutes, Doctor Rachel set her fork down and leaned slightly toward me. "Ivy, the reason we are all having breakfast together this morning is part of your healing routine. Sharing meals allows your body and your wolf to naturally adjust to Leo’s presence without pressure. It helps build a sense of safety for you and the baby."

I nodded quietly, taking a small sip of my orange juice to keep my hands busy.

In truth, my heart was hammering against my ribs. Not out of fear, but because of his eyes. Every time I glanced up, Leo was staring straight at me. His intense, dark gaze was so heavy and suffocating that a sudden, prickling heat spread across my skin. The intense way he looked at me felt raw and possessive, making my mind wander down a dangerous path. He looked as though, if given the smallest chance, he would pin me right to this table and kiss me senseless regardless of who was watching.

The wild thought made a fierce blush burn across my cheeks, and I quickly stuffed a piece of fruit into my mouth to hide my face.

Doctor Rachel finished her explanation, turning her sharp gaze toward Leo. "Remember, Your Highness, absolute peace and quiet are important for Ivy’s recovery. You must not do anything to distress or harm both mother and child."

"I understand," Leo replied smoothly, taking a slow sip of his black coffee. "Her safety is my priority."

Doctor Rachel then looked back at me. "And for you, Ivy, I encourage you to cooperate with these small steps. It is important for your baby's development."

"I will, Doctor," I whispered.

The rest of the meal passed in calm silence until Leo wiped his mouth with a napkin, checked his wrist watch, and stood up. "I must leave for the office now. Have a good day, Ivy. Doctor."

With a final, lingering look in my direction, he turned and strode out of the dining room.

The moment his heavy footsteps faded down the hall, Doctor Rachel turned her chair toward me. "So, how did you feel with him in the room?"

I paused, staring down at my teacup as I processed the lingering tingling sensation under my skin. "It felt... a bit suffocating at first," I admitted softly. "But... his scent... his pheromones actually calmed me down once I settled in."

Doctor Rachel’s smile widened with satisfaction. "Good! Then the routine is working just as expected. I want you to remember, Ivy, Leo is the absolute last person on this earth who would ever hurt you."

I gave her a small, obedient nod. "Okay."

What I couldn't bring myself to confess to Doctor Rachel…what made my blood run hot just thinking about it…was the shameless impulse that had gripped me the entire time he sat there. I didn't just feel calm; I had genuinely wanted to run across the room and kiss him, or have him drag me into his arms and kiss me until I couldn't breathe.

After breakfast was over, I politely bade Doctor Rachel goodbye as she left to prepare her notes.

Feeling a little restless again, I decided I wanted to watch a movie in the private screening room upstairs. But before heading there, I slipped back into my bedroom, retrieved Leo's large black cotton shirt from beneath my pillow, and tucked it securely under my arm.

I made my way up to the third floor and settled comfortably onto a plush leather recliner inside the cozy theater room. Just as I finished picking out a light romance film on the big screen, a quiet knock sounded at the door frame.

I turned around to see a friendly face stepping inside.

It was my personal maid, Lucy. She was a lovely, bright-eyed Omega in her mid-twenties with clear, glowing skin, soft dark hair tied in a loose ponytail, and a warm, infectious smile. She was naturally chatty and sweet, always moving around with an easy grace that made her effortless to be around.

"Good morning, My Lady!" Lucy said cheerfully, folding her hands in front of her gray dress. "Can I prepare some light snacks and fresh juice for you while you watch your movie?"

I smiled back, feeling instantly comfortable in her presence. "That sounds lovely. Thanks, Lucy."

"Coming right up!" she replied with a bright nod before bustling back down the hall.

I turned back toward the glowing screen, hugging Leo's soft shirt against my lap as the movie began to play.