Chapter 299 | The Morning

Chapter 299: 299 | The Morning

"I’m just asking you to rest."

Selene remained quiet. He loosened his hold enough that she could withdraw her hand if she wanted.

Slowly, her fingers closed around his. "All right."

He moved the pillows and lay down first. Selene followed more slowly. For a few moments, she remained carefully on her side of the bed, with their joined hands stretched between them. Dexter pulled the duvet over her shoulder.

He smiled into the darkness. "You can tell me if you need anything."

Selene nodded her head but neither of them spoke.

Dexter didn’t try to kiss her this time nor did not tease her. After a while, that quiet restraint allowed the last of her nervousness to fade.

"Goodnight," she whispered.

"Goodnight, Selene."

Her breathing slowly deepened. Dexter remained awake a little longer, watching the faint light at the edge of the curtains. Then he closed his eyes.

...

4:30 AM

For several seconds, Dexter eyes snapped open as his biological clock woke him.

Selene was tucked closely against him, her hand was resting on his chest, a loose strand of silver hair lying across his wrist. The room was dark. The house formation maintained a gentle balance around them, and the heat beneath the duvet was mild enough that she slept soundly.

Dexter looked at the clock, then at Selene. He needed to get up. Unfortunately, she had become remarkably effective at making that seem unreasonable. He eased his arm from beneath her shoulders a little at a time. Selene stirred and her fingers caught his shirt.

Dexter froze as she moved closer. He looked toward the ceiling. "Of course," he whispered.

After another patient attempt, he managed to place a pillow where his arm had been.

Selene frowned faintly in her sleep. He drew the duvet more securely around her and left a little warmth in the bedding before standing. At the doorway, he glanced back. She had settled again but eas hugging his pillow.

Dexter quietly closed the door.

The kitchen felt cool when he entered. He washed his hands, tied on an apron, and began. He moved with practiced efficiency, keeping the work quiet enough not to wake the house.

The one hundred meals for the bakery would be Grade One. He was careful about that.

Soon, several pots worked together across the stove. Steam rose as the aroma of seasoned meat and warming grain filled the kitchen. Dexter moved between them, tasting, adjusting, and guiding small threads of flame beneath the pans. The sky outside gradually changed from black to deep blue.

He portioned the first finished dishes while the next batch cooked. Only when the larger batch was nearly complete did he begin the regular Grade-Five meal for his wives.

The new house formation made the work easier.

By the time the first birds began singing love songs, the one hundred meals were packed and the girls’ breakfast remained warm in the kitchen. He cleaned the work surfaces, checked the time, and went to wake Mira.

She opened her eyes before he reached the bed. "Hm..." She groaned as her eyes focused on him.

Dexter stopped and smiled. "Good morning."

She glanced at the time and then back at him as she frowned. "5 more minutes."

Dexter smiled. "Wake up." "Sorry I came early."

Mira’s eyes snapped open as her eyes flashed deviously and she smirked. "Oh... I haven’t noticed."

Dexter blinked his eyes in confusion at her response but then his pupils constricted as he glared at her. "What are you thinking?"

"You obvious know what I’m thinking, why bother asking? Moreover, is it wrong?"

Dexter rolled his eyes and then chuckled. "Why don’t you try me and see?"

Mira looked at him up and then down and spat out. "Pervert."

Dexter helped her sit up, supporting her carefully while she adjusted to being awake.

"For you? Anytime..."

She gave him a flat look. Dexter laughed and carried her to the bathroom before she could say anything else. The water was already warm. He checked it again anyway.

Their morning routine had become familiar, but he never allowed familiarity to make him careless. Mira was quieter than usual.

When he moved her hair away from her neck, she said, "I didn’t practice."

He looked at her. "Last night?"

She nodded. "Not without telling you."

Dexter’s expression softened. "Thank you."

"Don’t make it sound as though I’ve performed some great act of obedience."

"I’m thanking you for taking care of yourself."

She looked away. "You’re irritating."

He smiled and continued helping her wash. There was no rush in his hands, even though the morning had already become busy. When he had finished, he helped her into clean clothes and settled her hair over her shoulders. Mira examined his face.

"What?"

"You look tired."

"I’ve been awake for a while."

"You should rest a while here then."

Dexter laughed softly. She did not. He gave in long enough to sit beside her while she adjusted the blanket across her knees. A minute. Then another. Mira appeared satisfied. Only then did she allow him to bring the wheelchair closer.

By the time they reached the sitting room, Lyra had emerged. Her hair was slightly disordered, and she followed the smell from the kitchen with considerable interest.

Selene appeared shortly afterward. She stopped when Dexter spoke.

"You’re awake."

Her face warmed. "You left."

"Yeah. I had to cook."

"I know."

Lyra looked between them. Selene immediately turned toward the kitchen. Dexter wisely said nothing.

"I’m taking the meals to the bakery," he told them. "I’ll be back shortly, and then we’ll eat."

Mira glanced toward the guardian standing near the corridor. "Go, we will survive."

"I appreciate your courage."

Lyra lifted a hand. ’Will be expecting you.’

He smiled. "Wont be long."

The street was still waking when Dexter reached the bakery. The front shutters remained closed. As arranged, he went around to the side entrance, where Mr. Henry was already waiting.

The older man opened the door and looked at the insulated containers.

"You’ve been busy."

"One hundred portions."

"Come in."

Dexter carried them inside and placed them on the prepared counter. The bakery smelled of fresh dough and warm ovens. Mr. Henry inspected the labels. "Grade One?"

Dexter nodded. "All of these. The grade is marked clearly."

"Good."

They checked the count together. Tessa appeared from the back with her hair tied up, looking far less energetic than she had the previous evening. "You actually came this early."

"You told me to."

"Yeah. Just didn’t expect you to be so early." She grumbled.

Dexter looked at her father. "Is she always like this in the morning?"

"Worse."

Tessa gave them both an offended look.

Dexter laughed and finished arranging the containers. He did not linger—breakfast was waiting at home. After confirming that everything was in order, he said goodbye and left through the side entrance.