Chapter 39 WOLVES DIDN’T ESCAPE
Edeline
Despite the guilt gnawing at me, I couldn’t resist the temptation to feel him in my hand. His firmness felt smooth and strong against my palms, sending a shiver through me with a rush of mixed sensations.
He drew in a sharp breath and gently pulled my hand away. “You don’t have to do that. It was my pleasure to make you feel good.”
Catching my breath, I whispered, “I can’t believe our wolves didn’t escape.”
He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on my bare shoulder. “I might be responsible for that.”
I raised my eyebrows, confusion written all over my face. “What? How?”
He chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “The scent masking spray is pretty effective. It keeps wolves from breaking through on their own.”
I blinked, taken aback. “So, you planned this?”
He shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “No, Edeline, it wasn’t planned. It’s just a feature of the masking liquid. It’s a little extra benefit for us.”
I hummed softly, feeling a mix of relief and frustration bubbling up inside me. “Well, I don’t want this to become a regular thing. Percival, we need to stop this. You have other commitments.”
I tried to shift away, but his grip around my waist tightened, holding me in place.
“Percival, please let me go.” Irritation flared inside me, annoyed at myself for letting this happen again, for the second time today.
“Edeline, can’t you stay a bit longer? Let’s just lie here and pretend it’s only the two of us,” he pleaded, his blue eyes reflecting a deep longing that tugged at my heart. His desire had faded, and he was now resting weakly against my thigh.
I closed my eyes, trying to steady my swirling emotions. “Percival, I have to leave. I need to freshen up and grab something to eat.”
He sighed and reluctantly released his hold. “Have you eaten anything today?”
I nodded as I dressed, feeling his eyes follow my every move. “Yes, but I’m starving now.”
With a sigh, he got up and handed me my top after I’d slipped on my shorts and buttoned them.
“Thanks,” I said, taking the top from him.
I left Percival in the treehouse and climbed down the ladder, my stomach growling with hunger. I walked along the path through the woods, hugging my arms around myself, wary of any wolves that might pick up his scent on me. A cool breeze brushed against my warm skin, sending tiny shivers up my arms. The forest’s scent clung to me, wrapping around me like an old friend. It lingered in the air, filling my senses with its natural aroma, settling into every corner of me.
I need to find a way to shower without being seen.
I felt a wave of foolishness wash over me. It’s like I can’t help but give in to temptation, even when I know it’s not in my best interest, even when I know it’s impossible. And yet, every time he shows up, I find myself slipping again.
This situation needs to be addressed. I have to make sure it doesn’t happen again. It’s going to be even more difficult to deal with in the future.
…
The sun streamed through the blinds, gently warming my closed eyes like it did every morning. I squinted and glanced around my room, the familiar surroundings offering little comfort today.
I made up my mind—today’s the day I head back home. I need to get out of the pack house as soon as Nixx gets back. We’re both going through a lot, and we really need each other right now. I just need to escape from all these people, from everything around me.
I don’t really want to leave Darius, and I won’t. He’ll be fine without me. It’s not like we can be seen together anyway, and having him around will only make things more complicated. He’s gonna be so mad when he finds out I moved out without telling him...
It’s frustrating how I always end up dealing with these ongoing disasters that aren’t even my fault. Yeah, I get it... I’m just feeling sorry for myself.
Whatever.
I hopped in the shower, washing up quickly—three minutes tops. No point in shaving today. Sometimes a girl’s feeling down and decides to skip shaving. I’m not trying to impress anyone, so it doesn’t really matter.
After last night, I figured I should at least shower. Gotta stay cautious around those curious wolves, you know?
Clearing the mist from the mirror, I examined my tired reflection—gaunt features, dark circles under my eyes. My physical health is taking a hit from all these emotions. Still pretty, I guess... but it’s hiding behind a façade of emotional decline. I sighed, slipping on a simple black fitted tee and tight, ripped-up jeans that were sitting on the toilet seat.
Water from my wet hair trickled down my freshly put-on tee, dampening my back and chest, with droplets falling down to my bare feet. I dried my hair with a towel as best as I could, my gaze fixed on my red toenails, avoiding my reflection for as long as possible. My hair wasn’t on my mind today—it might just dry naturally in waves. I hung the towel on the door hook, then casually left the bathroom, letting the steam fill the air behind me. I started packing up my belongings—not that I had much to begin with.
Clothes, photos, frames, memories, books—just the essentials I brought here not too long ago.
My room at my parents’ place is still exactly how I left it.
As I grabbed my photo album, a couple of pictures slipped out, along with one that was framed. It immediately caught my eye. There it was—a photo of me, Darius, Percival, and Nixx from three years ago when our families went camping together. Our parents were way in the background, having what seemed like a serious discussion. Meanwhile, all four of us kids were covered in mud, with huge grins plastered from ear to ear. Darius is always by my side, with Percival right behind me, standing next to Nixx. But now, looking at this picture, I couldn’t help but notice Percival...