The Designated Mate novel Chapter 21

Checking the time on my phone, I noted that it wasn't super later, but that didn't mean I wasn't already exhausted.

Deciding it was totally acceptable to go to bed right now, I changed into a fresh pair of pajamas and slipped under the covers. I was out like a light, the now-familiar sight of those glowing yellow eyes on my mind.

Poppy's POV

I jolted up in my bed when I heard the loud creaking of my outdated hardwood floors. I cocooned my comforter around my body while peeking out the window in front of me. Based on how much light was coming in, it was either really early in the morning, or the dead of night.

Either was equally as scary.

My heart rate and breathing picked up as the creaking continued, though I now noticed that the noise was making its way throughout the house, stopping and starting up again here and there. I didn't dare move a muscle as I was terrified to alert the intruder that I was awake and aware of their presence.

When I heard the creaking start back up farther away, I gained the courage to ease my body out of the bed. I grabbed the closest weapon to me - the fire poker - and held it close to my chest while turning so that my back was to the wall and I would be facing the intruder when, or if, they chose to make themselves know.

The second the creaking began coming towards me, all my confidence left my body and I began to shake like a leaf. I thought I was going to pass out when I saw a single foot step from the darkness and into my living room. Seconds later, a huge man emerged from the hallway. He had to duck down to make it through the entryway, as he was too tall. My breath caught in my throat as the object in my hands slipped as my grasp slackened with shock.

I'm screwed I thought to myself. His arms were the size of my head with veins bulging everywhere. His frame was wide and overpowering, making my somewhat spacious living room feel like a shoebox. I took an involuntary step back when my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting from the fire and allowed me to really get a good look. He was two, maybe even three times the size of Alpha Aaron - who already towered over my comically small frame.

Oh my God, I'm not making it out of here unharmed.

He took a step closer to me, causing me to thrust the fire poker into the air as a warning. This seemed to amuse the man, as the corner of his lips pulled up ever so slightly.

"Lay down," he instructed gruffly. I hesitated, causing him to peer down at me. He must've seen my confusion and lingering fear written all over my face.

"You haven't been taking care of your injury, so it's taking longer to heal. Now lay down," He ordered once again. I quickly did as told, too scared to go against what he wanted and anger him. He maneuvered my body so I was on my back before resting my foot on the pillow and settling the ice pack on top. I sighed with the instant relief it brought, forgetting about the man for just a moment and allowing my body to relax back into the bed.

"Are you still cold?" He asked after throwing a second log into the fireplace. I peeked my eyes open and shook my head, hoping it would make him leave.

"Do not lie to me," he growled. I wrapped my arms around myself to stop the shaking from both fear and the cold.

"A little," I rasped out quietly. He didn't say another word before pulling the thick sweater over his head and coming to crouch in front of me.