Abel’s day had been exhausting, filled with emergencies and work challenges that left him physically and mentally drained. Despite his fatigue, the moment he arrived home, he was met with the cries of his daughter Snow, who had created a mess during mealtime. Luna, his mate, was already trying to manage the situation, but Abel insisted on taking over, showing his care and dedication to his family despite his weariness.
As Abel cleaned up the chaos Snow had caused, their interaction revealed a tender and playful bond. Snow’s laughter and innocence brought a moment of joy to Abel’s tired day, and he cherished these small, chaotic moments with his daughter. Once Snow was calm and asleep, Abel’s exhaustion was palpable, yet he found comfort in Luna’s presence.
Luna’s offer to massage Abel’s tense muscles brought a soothing intimacy between them. Abel’s gratitude and vulnerability surfaced as Luna cared for him, highlighting the deep love and support they share. Their playful banter about age and energy underscored the realities of their demanding lives, especially with a young child like Snow.
The chapter ends with a shift in mood when Luna hints at wanting to do something that night, sparking a determined and passionate response from Abel. Despite his tiredness, he refuses to let the moment slip away, asserting his connection to Luna and their bond as mate and partner. The story closes on a note of intimacy and resolve, emphasizing the strength of their relationship even amid exhaustion and daily struggles.
399 No Escape
Chapter 399: No Escape
ABEL
+35 From Colum
The day had been relentless, as if the universe itself was plotting to keep me away from my mate. From the first light of dawn until the sun dipped below the horizon, every moment was a test of endurance. It began with the chaotic fire at the tree line—a situation that nearly escalated into a full-scale forest emergency. Then came the mountain of paperwork waiting for me at the office, each sheet demanding attention. To top it off, Tyson mistakenly called the council meeting an hour earlier than scheduled, forcing me to endure two identical presentations in a row.
By the time I finally walked through the front door, my legs felt as though they might collapse beneath me. Yet, even before I could fully step inside, the sharp sound of Snow’s cries echoed from the dining room, pulling me back into the whirlwind of family life.
Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile and opened the door. Luna stood there, her hair tousled from the day’s chaos, clutching a spoon in one hand and our distressed daughter in the other. The floor around them was a mess—milk spilled in puddles, mashed fruit smeared across the table, and suspicious clumps of cereal stuck to the walls.
“I’ve got this,” I said, stepping forward.
Her face softened with concern. “Are you sure? You’ve had such a long day.”
“Absolutely,” I replied, straightening my back despite the dull ache settling into my spine. “Your mate is tougher than ever.” I flexed my arm with mock bravado, and she chuckled—a sound that instantly made the exhaustion fade a little.
Before she could protest again, I bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek. “Go rest, angel,” I whispered.
She returned my smile, her voice soft. “Thank you.”
Snow’s cries grew louder, dragging my attention back to the tiny storm in the highchair. “Alright, little troublemaker,” I muttered, rolling up my sleeves. “Let’s see what kind of mischief you’ve gotten into this time.”
I sighed, grabbing a towel and crouching beside her.
“You’re lucky you’re so adorable,” I said as I started wiping the table.
Snow watched me for a moment before bursting into a giggle. I shot her a playful glare, which only made her laugh harder.
“Oh, you think this is funny, huh?” I teased.
She clapped her hands gleefully, scattering more bits of food in the process.
“Fine, fine,” I sighed, trying not to smile. “I get it. You win, Snow.”
Her laughter filled the room—light, innocent, and infectious. I was supposed to be cleaning up the mess, but instead, I found myself tickling her sides just to hear that joyous sound again. She squirmed and squealed, her eyes sparkling with delight.
Before long, we were both laughing. Even when she flung another spoonful of mashed banana in my direction, I couldn’t bring myself to be angry.
By the time everything was cleaned, Snow had finally settled down, her giggles softening into gentle coos. I lifted her into my arms, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.
“You really are something else,” I whispered.
She yawned, clutching the front of my shirt with one tiny hand. I rocked her gently, pacing the room until her breathing became steady and even.
When I looked down again, she was fast asleep.
“It’s like you didn’t just make a mess,” I murmured, brushing my thumb softly across her cheek.
A smile crept onto my face. Despite every exhausting moment, somehow it all felt worth it—every bit of chaos, every sleepless minute.
Carefully, I laid her down in her crib and lingered there a moment longer than necessary.
When I finally left the nursery, I found Luna sitting on the bed, a book resting in her hands. “You’re back,” she said with a warm smile. “How’s our little hurricane?”
“Sleeping soundly after all that chaos,” I replied, stretching my stiff shoulders.
Luna laughed softly. “She definitely takes after her father.”
“Hey,” I said, feigning offense. “I’m perfectly well-behaved.”
“Sure you are,” she teased, closing her book.
I made my way to the bed, each step heavier than the last. My entire body ached. I wasn’t as young as I once was, and nights like this were a stark reminder.
There was a pause, then Luna added quietly, “I was thinking of doing something tonight.”
My entire body froze. My mind went blank for a moment.
Her words echoed in my head. Slowly, I turned to meet her gaze. “What did you just say?”
Before I could fully process her meaning, she shifted away from me, stretched, and grabbed the blanket. With the sweetest yet most infuriating smirk, she said, “Oh well, but it seems like your stamina’s off. Let’s rest.”
No way. Absolutely not.
A fierce determination stirred deep in my chest. Ignoring the ache in my shoulders, I pushed myself up. Before she could even settle comfortably, I was already on top of her. She gasped, eyes wide with surprise.
“Abel—”
“No take-backs now,” I murmured, my breath brushing over her lips.
Her mouth parted slightly, a soft sound escaping that made my heart race.
“There’s no escaping me tonight, angel.”
The chapter closes on a tender yet charged moment, capturing the deep bond and unspoken promises between Abel and Luna. Despite the exhaustion and chaos of the day, their connection remains unwavering, a source of warmth and strength. Abel’s determination to be present for his family, even when his body protests, speaks to the profound love that underpins their relationship. The playful banter and gentle touches reveal a couple who find solace and joy in each other’s presence, even amidst life’s relentless demands.
This scene beautifully encapsulates the themes of endurance, devotion, and intimacy that run through the chapter. It reminds us that love often thrives in the quiet, everyday struggles and that moments of vulnerability can deepen the ties that bind. Abel and Luna’s shared laughter and whispered assurances create a space where fatigue is met with affection, and challenges are softened by the promise of togetherness. Their story continues to unfold with a tender intensity, leaving the reader feeling both comforted and captivated.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the intimate bond between Abel and Luna, revealing the tender yet complex dynamics of their relationship. As exhaustion and desire intertwine, readers can anticipate a raw exploration of vulnerability and strength, where physical weariness meets emotional connection. The subtle tension hinted at in their playful banter suggests that this night will be pivotal, not just for their closeness but for the challenges that lie beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, Snow’s presence continues to add layers of warmth and chaos, a reminder of the family’s unbreakable ties amidst the daily struggles. Yet, as Abel pushes against his limits, questions linger about how much more he can endure without losing himself. The next chapter will likely balance moments of softness with the undercurrent of impending trials, keeping readers on edge as they witness a family striving to hold onto each other when no escape seems possible.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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