My alarm clock buzzes loudly and I clumsily reach around trying to locate it on the nightstand to silence the sound. The movement stirs Sophia slightly and she starts to mumble and protest before her nails scratch lightly over my chest. "What time is it?" She murmurs and I turn more towards her, running my hand up her back as I pull her closer to me. She presses her nose to my skin and I can feel her lashes flatter open against my skin before her eyes shut as she inhales deep pressing her lips against me and I exhale out. "Go back to sleep" I whisper having to breathe in and out through my mouth as she shifts her hips against mine running her nose up my chest to my throat trying to get closer.

I can feel my muscles tighten and my body heat with her breath on my neck. Digging my fingers into her lower back I have to focus more on my breathing with each touch she makes. "Sleep, Sophia," I groan out and she giggles softly as she wraps her arm around me kissing my chest before her breathing starts to even out. Kissing the top of her hair I start to drift back into sleep.

I can feel Sophia shift and move before shaking my arm, "Cage," she says softly and I pull the blanket up more. She pushes it down as she sits up, stretching. "Wake up, Cage," Sophia taps my shoulder before shaking it more. Grumbling as I turn to glance at the clock, it is still too damn early in the morning.

"Cant we stay in bed? We could cuddle," whispering out the suggestion, running my finger up her spine, grinning as I watch the shiver follow the path I'm making for it. I can feel her leg press against mine as they part open slightly before she shifts her hips, throwing her leg over my waist. Sophia looks down at me with a coy smile on her lips as she straddles me and this is starting to seem like a good wake up call. Her eyes flash with mischief and her hips grind softly into mine as she leans down gliding her finger up my chest. The wolf sounds out with an approving growl and her smile grows at the sound before she leans her face closer to mine. So damn close.

Heavy breathing is felt against my skin as her nose skims its way across my cheek to my ear before I can feel the tip of her tongue wet the soft spot behind it electing a light moan out from me.

Fuck this is an amazing wake-up call.

"I'm gettin' a shower," she moans softly nipping my lobe before jumping off me going straight into the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a laugh. "Tease," I call out after her as I sit up and she only laughs harder as I hear the water turn on.

Screw it, I'm joining her this time.

Going to the door it isn't locked and I can hear the interruption of water on the showers floor as she steps inside closing the door behind her. Walking in the bathroom, pulling my sweat pants and boxers off before getting closer I can see her silhouette through the frosted glass, "not very nice to leave me like that," I say coming to stand by the shower door before opening it. Sophia doesnt shy away or try to cover up as she lifts her hair letting water run down her back. "Neither is making me wait for a shower, but here we are," She turns towards me and her eyes penatrate into mine as she runs her hands along her skin completely unbothered by my presence as she continues before combing her fingers through her hair pulling it to one side. I cant pull my eyes away, standing fixated by the way her body curves with every small move she makes. "I need to do something with my hair, " she comments holding her hair up as her eyes close, fingers continuing to comb through it and her eyes open again looking me over from head to toe before meeting back up to mine as they swirl and darken. "Gonna join me or just watch me?" She asks while running her hand down her stomach and between her legs as she leans back against the shower wall.

"Both, " I answer, taking a step inside and her lip pulls up in a crocked smile while a soft giggle slips out while watching me. "Please continue, " telling her while reaching up, adjusting the showerhead so the water hits my shoulders. Sophia watches my movement intently while biting her lip before releasing it as her lips part and her thighs rub against themselves as her fingers glide along her mark and I mimic the movement as my fingers feel against my neck.

"Is it always like this?" She moans quietly as her fingers slowly feel and rub her clit while her other hand starts to move down between her chest. Leaning my head back to the water before running my hands through my hair it does nothing to calm me down. "Your mark?" Asking her as she continues and her body starts to shudder with the build up its feeling. Sophia nods her head as she starts to pant and I can't get out more than a grunting yes while stepping into her space.

She tilts her head up to me as my hand moves the hair that clings to her shoulder out of the way, placing my other hand over hers when she slowly starts to pull it away. Pressing her fingers to apply more pressure against her mound, her eyes start to close with the feel, "open your eyes," I tell her moving her fingers in a small circular motion. Hovering over her, Sophia places her free hand on my shoulder to steady herself as her eyes stay locked on mine moving her fingers exactly how she likes it. Gripping her hair in my hands angeling her neck pressing my lips to the tender part below her ear she leans against me while my other hand grips her hip.

"Don't stop," giving her instructions she easily follows. Leaving open-mouthed kisses down her neck she starts to pant more and moans mix in to her sound as I skim my lips across her mark before pulling it into my mouth, sucking on it hard. She whimpers my name into my ear pulling it between her teeth enticing me to groan against her skin pressing my hips into hers gliding my dick between her legs.

She reaches down farther gripping it in her hand stroking it slowly before pulling away from me. Running her hand down my chest while the other continues to pump up and down with long slow strokes. Sophia keeps her eyes on mine as she presses a kiss to my chest following her hands trail downward. Breathing out heavy tightening my grip on her hair she chuckles as her tongue darts out to taste my skin, "Sophia, " I warn but she continues on. "Cage" she moans back, getting on her knees in front of me pressing her lips to the tip eyes still locked on mine.

Fuck.

Her tongue licks the tip, gliding along the underside to my balls and back up to the tip in a slow progression before she wraps her lips around me taking in the length inch by inch. Her eyes start to close when Sophia gets near the base and I pull her hair, "open," reminding her.

Sophia pulls her lips to the tip while one hand grips the base pumping up and down meeting her mouth near the middle while the other grips my thigh. I can feel the water running into my open mouth as my hips start to rock with the building pressure she is causing. Her eyes grow hungry as she starts to speed up her pace. I can feel my balls starting to clench wanting to empty down her throat but that's not what I want. Pulling myself out she gives a small whimper of protest as she looks up at me. Bending down kissing her cheek wrapping my arms around her to pull her back up to her feet. Shaking my head, pressing her back to the shower wall pushing my knee between her legs forcing them to open more before rocking it against her mound, "I need more of you."

She digs her hands into my hair pulling my lips to hers in a heated kiss before I press my canines to her bottom lip. She leans her head back allowing me to have access to her throat. Grazing my teeth along it she pants harder before letting a begging please slip out of her lips. Chuckling before pressing a kiss to the hollow of her neck and leaning down more taking a nipple between my teeth she hisses out her teeth before rocking herself against my leg. Removing my knee replacing it with my hand she lifts her hips and I easily slide my fingers into her entrance, taking her other nipple into my mouth.

She moans louder tugging at my hair, pulling it to force my face back to hers. Her fingers slide down to my shoulders as I deepen the kiss pressing my fingers in and out, holding them still when I feel her starting to clench. Pulling away from her lips pressing my forehead to hers before slowly pulling my hand away. "I need to feel you," she pants grinding against me bringing her leg up to my thigh. Gripping on to it, wrapping my hand under the other bringing them both up to my hips, she has no patience as she reaches between us pressing my tip against her, trying to dig her feet into the back of my legs to press me forward.

"Slow down," I growl out but she bites her lip with a smile shaking her head, putting her hand on my shoulder pushing herself down on me. Her walls clench slightly before she tries to slow her breathing, "I need you now, " she whispers as her eyes dilate almost fully. The wolf rumbles his noise in my chest calling to her and she hums back, "come on wolfie, please your mate, " she teases.

She has no idea what she is asking for.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Standing at the counter cutting the onions Sophia stands by the stove pushing hash browns around in the pan. She reaches up pressing her wet hair behind her ear before reaching in the pan grabbing one to blow on before putting it in her mouth. Wiping at my eyes from the scent of the onions Sophia giggles at me, "oh Hotshot, no need to cry. You'll be okay," she teases. Giving her a look she places her hand over mine, taking the knife from me with a smile, "switch with me, " she says before pushing me out of the way with her hip starting to cut the rest of the onion before moving on to the peppers.

"Enjoy cooking?" Asking her while taking another pan from the cabinet, putting it on the stove. She brings the cutting board over carefully placing the cut pieces in the pan for me to cook, "it's a good skill to know. Do you enjoy cooking, Cage?" She asks stealing another piece of hashbrowns while turning down the heat to it.

"I know how to cook, wouldn't say I like it though. Grams always did all the cooking." Leaning against the counter watching the shirt rise up slightly showing off her legs more as she reaches into the fridge for the eggs.

"Better stop staring at my ass, Hotshot. Tryin' to cook here." She points a finger at me while putting down the egg carton. "Can you blame me?" I ask stepping closer.

Sophia side steps me taking the pan to shake around the vegetables before setting it back down and cracking the eggs, ignoring me completely. "So who taught you how to cook?" Trying to get back on to small talk. She watches me out of the corner of her eye while cracking another egg into the pan. "My father actually. One of the few things we honestly liked doing together." A memory filters through her mind of standing in a small kitchen mixing and cutting, all laughs and smiles in the moment.

"You miss it, don't you?" I ask and she nods her head with a sigh. "As bad as they may seem sometimes, I had good moments with my father and brothers. Luca and I use to be close, wasn't until last year he kinda drifted away." She says turning off both pans. Passing her the plates she quietly divides the food between the two before bringing them to the table and taking a seat. Sitting next to her taking her hand in mine she picks up the fork before starting to eat. "He was over here last night, said he wanted to speak with you in the morning," I tell her. I debated leaving before he ever showed up but maybe she needs this.

She stops chewing, taking a drink before looking at me, "I knew I heard something getting out of the car. Why didn't you say anythin'?" She accuses taking her hand back before crossing her arms, "what if I don't wanna talk to him?"

"Maybe you should, " taking my own glass and drinking it down, "said it yourself, you miss it. It might be a good place to start." She chews her cheek before uncrossing her arms, picking her fork back up and eating quietly. Silence falls down on us and I leave the conversation alone, I did my part to try, the decision is hers to make now.

She pushes the plate away slightly, "fine, " she whispers before standing up. She leans down to kiss my cheek softly and I reach up to grip her chin. Sophias hand wraps around mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Im going to go get ready for the day," Her lips press to mine with a smile, "you can wash the dishes." Nodding my head her hand brushes through my hair as she walks towards the bedroom and I pick the plates up to bring to the sink. Looking over the counter there are more to wash than I thought. Blowing out a breath Im starting to learn she is very good at getting what she wants.

A knock at the door announces Lucas arrival, I can smell them from under the door as I grip the counter. Sophia gets to the door quicker then I can, her hand hovers over the doorknob as she hesitates. A deep breath in a thought passes through her mind that their father might be with him and she pulls her hand back slightly with the thought. "Open the door, Sophia" Luca's voice filters in through the thick wood.

Sophia chews her cheek as she pulls it open watching Luca lean against the outside frame with a cheeky grin. Her mouth opens to say something but he holds a bag up to her like an offering, "I brought gifts."

Greedy curiosity has Sophias hand reaching up snatching the bag away. She steps closer to me, placing it on the counter to peek inside as he takes a step in and walking to the table making himself too comfortable. Conner stays by the door, closing it as he waits.

A small smile graces her lips as she pulls out a soft candy popping it into her mouth. Her eyes close slowly at the taste on her tongue and I can feel the hum tickling her throat that she is trying to keep down.

I make a mental note of this for myself, maybe he isn't completely useless.

"It's just talkin', Sissy. That's all." Luca says with a sweet, calm voice that has Sophia coming back to reality from her sugared high.

She snorts before turning to him and he sits in his seat straighter, "like yesterday?" She says back with the same tone and he drops his smile.

He rolls his shoulders slightly in an effort to compose himself, "it ain't like that, " he starts, "I get you're mad and you got the right to be but it wasn't like it was our idea. That was all dad." He places his hands behind his head relaxing back in his seat.

Sophia stands straighter and I can feel the pressure in my own spine as something presses against hers. "Wow, I think you been spending too much time in the stalls with that amount of horse shit coming from you." She glares at her brother from across the kitchen and Conner snorts at the comment before clearing his throat and shifting his stance when her eyes land on him. "I don't know what your problem is here lately, " she says putting another candy in her mouth as she walks towards the table pulling out the chair across from Luca to sit in, "but you got some nerve comin' 'round here with this attitude."

Luca opens his mouth but she presses her hands against the table making it hit his chest, "came for a talk, gonna shut your mouth and listen." His nose crinkles up and he breaths out to not raise his lip to her in this moment. "Y'all guilty. Each and every one of you, " she addresses Conner in this comment and all he can do is shrug. Pressing the coffee mug to my lips the thought of throwing it at his head crosses my mind.

"Honestly, I don't even give a shit about that right now." She ignores him completely turning back on her brother, "I'll take that up with dad when I am good and damn well ready to, but you," she points a finger his way, "how dare you."

"Me?" he presses his fingers to his chest as his face holds confusion at the accusation.

"Yeah, you!" I can feel the temper rising in her, the mug hides my smile well. Wayne is right, truly is entertaining when it's happening to someone else. "You come over here last night with that attitude you got, I don't know where you caught that from lately but you need to give that right back because I'm getting real sick and tired of it. If you think you can come over here and speak to my mate that way, you got another thing coming." Sophia crosses her arms as she sits back in her seat, "and throwing dad under the bus like that, that ain't like you. You're the one always defending him and makin' us talk. What's your problem? Last few months you been a bigger pain in the ass then normal."

Luca's fingers tap the table hard as he looks away. He can't hide his teeth anymore as his canines poke though and his lips pull back fully. Conner watches him with a close eye as he tilts back and forth uncomfortable on his feet. "Don't" Luca growls at him but Conner only shakes his head, "might as well tell her, she's going to find out eventually, "

Sophia's head tilts as she looks to her brother for answers, "tell me what?"

Lucas hand rubs smoothly over his mouth as he forces the muscles in his jaw to loosen, "it don't matter, " he answers her and her foot kicks him under the table as her cheeks dimple in. I can taste the copper on my own tongue with how hard she is biting down and I have to set the mug down when my hand presses into itself when a sting is felt behind my eyes with the hurt she feels from that dismissal.

"Not everyone gets a happily ever after Sis. We ain't all lucky like you. " he gestures towards me.

She glances over her shoulder to me before looking back to him, "what happened?" Sophia asks him softly, "who is she?"

Luca stands up from his chair, "I got rejected for someone else." He says as he pushes it in going to the door walking out it. Sophia breaths in and out slowly before standing up, following him out and closing it behind her. I can hear her call out to him to wait as so many questions come into her mind, I have to block it out and give them their privacy.

Looking at Conner, my wolf peers out to the wolf in his den, "there's a back door, use it," our fur bristles before picking back up my cup drinking the last of the coffee before setting it inside the sink. He shifts his shoulders baring his teeth and we do it right back as he walks towards the sliding doors, "this is nothing more than a sign of respect," he looks me over in a dismissive glance before going outside and out of sight. There is something about that wolf I just don't like.

Peering out the window Luca and Sophia go back and forth with their words. It's hard to bite my tongue. Picking up my phone to make a call to distract myself and stay out if it for now. Grams doesnt let it ring for long.

"I wondered how long it would take, " she answers and I can hear the smile in her voice. Shes waited a long time for this.

Watching Sophia, this has been a long time coming. "Whats for dinner tonight?"

--------AuthorsNote-----------

I want to apologize for such a late update. I had the intentions to post well before this but due to circumstances with Covid and pregnancy I wasn't able to keep up and Im so sorry to make readers wait months.

I am truly sorry for this delay and I hope I can continue to make more timely updates in the future.

***Edit***

I have added a Bonus Chapter of Waynes POV from Chapter 13 of Caged In to The Nymph of my Imagination snippets book on my profile.