Mated To The Crippled Alpha-Chapter 290: Nice Pictures

The next morning, I woke to warmth on my face.

The glass walls of the stargazing room were covered with heavy curtains, but a thin beam of sunlight slipped through the ceiling above us. It fell directly across my eyes, pulling me gently from sleep.

When I blinked them open, Lewis was already awake.

He was lying on his side, watching me with that quiet look he only wore in private. Not the cold Alpha gaze he used in the council room. Not the sharp dominance he showed during pack meetings. Just him.

Even though we were bound as mates, mornings like this were rare. He usually stayed up late handling pack matters or left before dawn to patrol the borders. But these past few days, he had pushed everything aside to stay with me.

I treasured it more than I let him see.

Our eyes met, and he leaned down to press a soft kiss against my forehead. "Good morning, Elena," he murmured.

I smiled and buried my face against his neck, breathing in his scent. It was steady and grounding, like earth after rain. "Good morning, my Alpha."

Being newly bonded made everything sweeter. Even the air felt lighter, filled with quiet happiness.

After washing up, we stepped outside. The sun was bright, and dew clung to the leaves in the garden. The territory felt peaceful. Safe.

The ragdoll cat was stretched lazily under the porch. A young pup from the pack ran toward me, circling my legs before darting away again, full of energy.

Riley’s voice drifted from the hallway. She stepped out wearing a simple white dress, her hair braided loosely down her back. She looked fresh and soft, like she belonged to a quiet life.

I suddenly remembered Harlan’s dramatic phone call from last night, and a playful idea formed in my mind.

"Lewis," I said lightly, "can you take a few photos of Riley and me?"

"Sure."

He didn’t hesitate. He pulled out his phone and began scanning the garden like he was planning a battle formation. "Stand here," he said. "The light is better."

He adjusted angles, moved us slightly, and waited patiently for the right moment. He took several photos of both of us, then a few more of just me. He even guided my posture, telling me where to tilt my chin or how to stand so the sun hit properly.

There was no impatience in him at all.

Riley grabbed the phone afterward, her eyes widening. "This is amazing! Lewis, do you secretly do this for a living? My legs look so long in this one!"

Lewis looked immediately uncomfortable.

I narrowed my eyes playfully. "Oh? Have you practiced on someone else before?"

Before I could tease him further, he pulled me onto his lap and opened a folder on his phone.

I stared at the titles.

"Photography tips every boyfriend must know."

"Perfect angles for girls."

"Composition tricks." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Riley gasped dramatically. "Sis, where did you find a man like this? Can you order them in bulk? I’m jealous!"

I was stunned too.

All those nights I thought he was reviewing patrol reports with his Bluetooth in, he had actually been watching tutorials on how to take better pictures of me.

My heart felt warm and confused at the same time.

As I scrolled further, a short video appeared.

"Crash course: how to be a better boyfriend."

Lewis immediately snatched the phone back, his ears turning red. "That’s enough," he muttered. "I’ve never taken photos for anyone else. Only you. Check my albums if you don’t believe me."

How could someone so ruthless in battle be this soft in private?

I leaned close to his ear. "So... have you mastered all the lessons?"

Riley let out an exaggerated groan. "I can’t take this sweetness anymore!"

At that moment, Grant walked in carrying a pot. "Are you hungry? I made pumpkin grits."

Riley pointed at us dramatically. "I’ve seen enough. I want a mate too."

Grant placed bowls on the table calmly. "That’s easy. Tell me what kind of man you want. I’ll arrange it."

Riley blinked. "I’m already married."

"Then leave him," Grant said casually. "You’re young. You deserve better if you’re not happy."

His tone was firm, protective. A father ready to challenge any Alpha for his daughter.

Riley stared at him like she didn’t recognize him. Maybe she didn’t. People changed after loss. After regret.

Grant placed a bowl in front of her. "Eat first. Worry about males later."

I leaned toward Lewis and whispered, "Pick a few nice photos of Riley and post them. Make sure only Harlan can see."

He rubbed my nose lightly. "Little troublemaker."

"I learned from you."

He didn’t argue. A few moments later, he posted a grid of nine photos. One of Riley. Eight of me.

No caption.

But the message was clear.

In his world, there was only one mate.

Soon enough, Harlan called.

"Send me your location," he demanded.

I took the phone before Lewis could respond. "Mr. Pearson," I said sweetly, "Riley is with us. Don’t worry. She’s safe."

His tone softened immediately. "When are you coming back? I’ll pick her up."

"We don’t know yet," I replied. "Maybe tomorrow. Maybe next year. I’m sure you’re not lonely. After all, you have your childhood sweetheart Nina keeping you company, right?"

"There’s nothing between me and Nina," he insisted. "I just help her sometimes."

"Why are you explaining to me?" I said lightly. "I’m not your mate."

Then I hung up.

I wasn’t interested in men who didn’t respect their bond.

After breakfast, we decided to explore the surrounding land. Riley went toward a nearby farm, while Lewis and I drove across the territory in an off-road vehicle.

The land here was wide and green. Eventually, we reached a large lotus field shimmering under the sun.

I stepped out and walked closer to the water. An elderly woman stood knee-deep in the pond, picking lotus pods.

Her silver hair glinted under the sun.

I felt uneasy. "It’s slippery there. Do you need help?"

She looked up at me carefully. "You’re not from this territory, are you?"

"No," I said gently. "Please come up. I’ll help."

I removed my shoes and rolled up my pants before stepping into the water.

She smiled at first.

Then her gaze dropped to my chest.

The stone hanging around my neck swayed in the sunlight.

Her expression changed instantly.

"Young lady," she said slowly, her voice trembling, "who gave you that stone?"

I froze.

"Do you know it?" I asked quietly.

The air suddenly felt heavier.

Her eyes widened as if she had seen something impossible.

"T–this stone... belongs to..."