Chapter 7 How Did You End Up In My Bed

• As Hendrick settled in, Charlotte, immersed in her sleep, sensed a slight disturbance but soon returned to the peaceful embrace of her dreams.
• As dawn broke, the room gradually brightened with threads of golden sunlight weaving through the space, illuminating the scene on the bed where the woman was now curled up in the crook of the man's arm, both sleeping soundly, resembling a couple deeply in love.
• Hendrick's eyelashes fluttered as he began to awaken. The fog of last night's alcohol lingered, prompting him to think a shower might help clear his head. As he moved to rise, he realized his arm was pinned under something.
• Turning his head, he discovered it was Charlotte, nestled comfortably against him.
• Her raven-black hair flowed over his arm like a smooth cascade, her skin fair, her lashes curled delicately, and her lips parted softly with each breath she took.
• His gaze slowly traveled down her slender neck, over her delicate collarbone, to the gentle rise and fall of her chest. Her nightgown had shifted, revealing her chest almost entirely, her full breasts exposed, their tips rosy and inviting against her flawless skin.
• A visceral reaction stirred within Hendrick, his body responding instinctively to the sight. The faint scent of her pheromones, though largely masked by the witch's potion, was enough to make his wolf, Jake, restless and eager. He found himself tempted to explore further, to taste her skin and claim her as his own.
• This was only the second time he had felt such a desire for a woman, the first being Vivian, whom his wolf had recognized as his destined mate.
• Yet, here he was, caught in a moment of raw attraction that he knew he should not indulge.
• With a concerted effort, Hendrick pulled his gaze away, reminding himself that their marriage was merely a contractual agreement, nothing more. This realization caused his brows to furrow in frustration, suppressing the unwanted desire.
• Meanwhile, in her sleep, Charlotte dreamt of being surrounded by wolves, with an alpha staring down at her, its gaze predatory.
• The vividness of the dream startled her awake, only to find herself looking into Hendrick's intensely calm eyes, his presence unexpectedly close.
• Momentarily disoriented, she gasped, her hand instinctively clutching her chest. “H-How did you end up in my bed?”
• With a cool detachment, Hendrick replied while shifting slightly on the bed, “This is my bed.”
• Charlotte, realizing the implications of their unintended closeness, felt a rush of embarrassment and confusion. “Weren't you supposed to be celebrating your mate's birthday? Why are you here?” she asked, her voice carrying a tinge of suspicion as she moved away from the bed where she had unknowingly spent the night next to him.
• She recalled being told he wouldn't return that night, which had allowed her to lower her guard and fall into a deep sleep, one so profound she hadn't noticed his arrival.
• The awkward realization that they had shared a bed without her knowledge the previous night brought a flush of warmth to her cheeks, her emotions tangled as she struggled to process the situation, and she lowered her head in discomfort.
• Hendrick began to unbutton his shirt, still reeking slightly of alcohol from the night before. The fabric clung to his body, wrinkled and uncomfortable. He noticed Charlotte's flustered state and a slight smirk appeared on his lips. “Is celebrating a woman's birthday comparable to making love to her?” he teased, challenging her assumptions about the nature of his relationship with Vivian.
• Charlotte found herself speechless, the implications of his words hanging awkwardly in the air. This was a mere business arrangement; they were neither a romantic couple nor in love. What reason would they have to be intimate?
• Caught off guard as Hendrick continued to undress, Charlotte quickly averted her eyes. Her past experiences had left her with a profound aversion to such intimate proximity with men.
• Feeling overwhelmed, she stammered, “I... I'll step outside for a moment.” With that, she hurried out of the bedroom.
• Hendrick, seemingly indifferent to her discomfort, continued with his routine, unbuckling his belt and heading into the bathroom for a needed shower to clear his head.
• The sound of running water filled the bathroom for a prolonged period, after which the air was perfumed with the fresh scent of shower gel. When he emerged, his short, dark hair was damp and tousled, and he was wrapped in a white bathrobe that was partly open, revealing his toned chest and adding to his masculine allure.
• He walked over to the wardrobe to retrieve his clothing, but his movements paused when he spotted an unfamiliar bag decorated with sunflowers.
• Curiosity piqued by the childish design, he wondered if it belonged to Charlotte. A floral print? Why is she so childish?
• Despite the surprise, he felt no hesitation about integrating her belongings into his space.
• As he reached to hang up his clothes, he accidentally knocked over the floral bag, causing its contents to spill out—a mix of basic garments and personal items, along with a single sheet of paper. Bending down to pick it up, his expression turned icy as he recognized what was written on it.
• In the living room, Susan was already busy preparing breakfast. She greeted Charlotte, who sat on the couch in her pajamas with a forced smile. “Did you sleep well last night?” she asked with excessive cheerfulness.
• Susan had assumed Hendrick wouldn't be returning and would be spending the night with Vivian. However, the commotion in the night caught her attention. She realized Hendrick had indeed returned last night and had slept in his room.
• Charlotte was the Luna handpicked by Elouise for her son. Although she wasn't the destined mate guided by the Moon Goddess, Hendrick had finally gotten married. This brought immense joy to Susan, who had always been taking care of him.
• Charlotte responded stiffly, “It was... fine.”
• “Great, then go ahead and change. I'll have breakfast ready soon,” Susan instructed as she headed to the kitchen.
• Looking down at her pajamas, Charlotte realized her clothes were still in the bedroom.
• He should be dressed by now, right?
• With that thought, Charlotte stood and approached the bedroom door. She knocked lightly, receiving no answer. After a second attempt still yielded no response, she cautiously pushed the door open.
• However, the atmosphere that met her as the door swung open was stark and unwelcoming, as if a cold December wind had swept through the room.
• Hendrick sat on the edge of the bed, his expression intensely focused on a piece of paper, his stare icy and penetrating. The sudden realization of what might be written on that paper made Charlotte's heart skip a beat, her breath catching in her throat.
• That paper!