THE SPOILED HYBRID.🧛 (MXM) - Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Drake entered Alessia’s room, his body heavy with exhaustion. It had been a long day—no, a long *week*—and he hadn’t had a proper rest since they arrived in the Crimson Kingdom. The clock on the wall read 11 PM, and while the kingdom was just waking up for its “day,” Drake was running on fumes. All he wanted was to collapse into bed and sleep for a solid twelve hours.
But the moment he stepped into the room, Alessia was on him like a whirlwind. The smaller boy leaped from the bed, his arms wrapping around Drake’s neck and his legs around his waist, nearly knocking him off balance. Drake stumbled but managed to steady himself, his hands instinctively gripping Alessia’s thighs to keep him from falling.
“Whoa, easy there,” Drake said, his voice tinged with amusement but also exhaustion. “Maybe it’s because you’re used to this whole ‘sleeping during the day’ thing, but I’m tired and sleepy, babe.”
Alessia pulled back slightly, his green eyes glinting with mischief as he looked at Drake. “Really?” he said, his voice low and seductive. His fingers trailed down Drake’s chest, his touch light but deliberate, sending a shiver down Drake’s spine.
Drake groaned, his resolve wavering as Alessia’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Let’s go shower and have some rest,” Drake suggested, his voice strained as he tried to hold onto his last shred of self-control.
But Alessia wasn’t having it. He had other plans, and he wasn’t about to let Drake’s exhaustion get in the way. Without warning, he leaned in, capturing Drake’s lips in a hungry, passionate kiss. Drake’s response was instant, his hands tightening on Alessia’s thighs as he kissed him back with equal fervor.
The kiss deepened, their bodies pressing together as the room filled with the sound of their ragged breaths. Alessia’s hands fumbled with the buttons of Drake’s shirt, his fingers trembling with urgency. Drake, unable to resist, helped him along, pulling off his shirt and tossing it aside. Alessia’s robe followed soon after, the fabric pooling on the floor as Drake’s hands roamed over his bare skin.
“Bathroom,” Alessia gasped between kisses, his voice breathless but insistent. Drake didn’t need to be told twice. He carried Alessia into the adjoining bathroom, their lips never parting as they stumbled through the door.
The bathroom was spacious and luxurious, the air warm and steamy from the running shower. But neither of them paid any attention to their surroundings. Their focus was entirely on each other, their hands exploring, their breaths mingling as they lost themselves in the moment.
The sounds that filled the bathroom were a mix of groans, moans, and heavy breathing, each one a testament to the passion and intensity between them. The water from the shower cascaded over their bodies, but they barely noticed, too consumed by each other to care about anything else.
By the time they finally stepped out of the shower, their bodies were spent, their limbs heavy with exhaustion but their hearts full. Drake wrapped a towel around Alessia, his hands gentle as he dried him off. Alessia leaned into the touch, his eyes half-closed as he rested his head against Drake’s chest.
“Sleep now?” Alessia asked, his voice soft and sleepy.
Drake chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of Alessia’s head. “Yeah,” he said, his voice warm and affectionate. “Sleep now.”
They made their way back to the bed, their bodies tangled together as they finally gave in to the exhaustion that had been weighing them down. As they drifted off to sleep, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them, together and at peace.
A month in the Crimson Kingdom had been nothing short of fascinating for Drake. The kingdom was like a country unto itself, enclosed within its towering, thick walls. Inside, life thrived in a way that was both familiar and utterly foreign. There were malls, gas stations, parks, resorts, and more—everything one might find in the outside world, but with a distinctly royal twist. The kingdom was self-sustaining, a bustling microcosm of society where the king ruled not just as a monarch but as a president would in the outside world.
Jared, the king, was a figure of immense respect and authority, his presence commanding yet approachable. Alysa, as the next in line for the throne, had taken on the role of vice president, shadowing her father and learning the intricacies of ruling a kingdom. It was a far cry from the carefree, playful sister Drake had known at campus. Here, Alysa was regal, composed, and deeply focused on her duties, her sharp mind and quick wit making her a natural leader.
Prince Alessia, on the other hand, had been given the responsibility of managing the kingdom’s economic resources. But it quickly became apparent that the role was not suited to him. Alessia was brilliant in many ways, but his spoiled and carefree nature made it difficult for him to focus on the meticulous details required for such a task. After several failed attempts, the queen, Sofia, made the decision to transfer the role to Drake.
Drake, who had already proven himself to be diligent and capable, took on the responsibility with ease. He was named prime minister, a title that came with its own set of duties and challenges. But Drake embraced it all, his love for Alessia and his desire to support him driving him to excel. He found himself enjoying the work, the sense of purpose it gave him, and the opportunity to contribute to the kingdom that had become his home.
A year had passed since Drake had arrived in the Crimson Kingdom, and he had fully adjusted to its unique rhythm. The reversed schedule—sleeping during the day and being active at night—had become second nature to him. He had grown accustomed to the grandeur of the palace, the weight of his responsibilities, and the warmth of Alessia’s family.
Looking back, Drake knew he had made the right choice. He couldn’t imagine his life without Alessia, his bundle of joy, his mate. The thought of what might have been—of staying behind in his old life—filled him with a sense of relief. He would have regretted it deeply, and he was grateful every day that he had chosen to follow his heart.
As he sat in his office, reviewing reports and planning for the kingdom’s future, Drake couldn’t help but smile. The duties that had once been meant for Alessia were now his, and he wore the responsibility with pride. He had found his place in the world, and it was here, in the Crimson Kingdom, by Alessia’s side.