381- The Music That Found Us
POV Viktor Averwyn:
It was already clear I wanted her completely, close and pressed against me, the addiction and passion only growing. I tried not to think about the future—everything was uncertain and new. But some things didn’t go unnoticed, and I found myself considering it: taking the risk. Making her mine in every possible and permitted way.
The fear of seriously hurting her or killing her was what held me back. Until I was certain of anything, it would remain that way.
In the past few days, we had relaxed more in each other’s company. We ate together, I took her to visit the safer mines, explaining how they worked. She also came to my office one day to bring lunch when I couldn’t come home, and I explained more about our weapons and traps.
Seraphine fit into the village routine and seemed to enjoy it, already getting along with everyone. In a short time, she had taken over my spaces—and that was how it should be.
“Come have dinner,” she said softly, lifting her head to look at me. “Are you sure nothing worse happened?”
“Everything’s under control. I’ll take a shower and come down.”
“I’ll heat your food in the meantime.”
She rose onto her toes, and I lifted her, kissing her soft, delicious mouth.
That alone was enough to heat us both up. That part was madness—we wanted sex all the time. As much as we wanted to sleep tangled together.
She broke the kiss, still a little worried.
“Don’t take long, Viktor. After dinner, we’ll go upstairs.”
I nodded and headed for the stairs while she went to the kitchen. I smiled to myself—she was starting to resemble Daciana, making sure I was eating, taking care of me.
I reached the hallway, and my gaze turned toward the room that had remained closed for the past few weeks. I pushed the door open and stepped inside, still able to smell Adelina there.
A sharp pain spread through my chest. I walked slowly, looking at her things—the teddy bears and dolls on the shelves she had kept since childhood. Her perfumes and makeup on the vanity, in her usual disorganized mess.
The bed with its embroidered cover, the large television, books on the other side. Things that, like me, were still waiting for her return.
Deep down, I wished she truly was destined for Lucian—maybe then he would truly love her, take care of her. But I feared my suspicions were right.
I had to find a way to bring her home, to ensure her safety. But how, without crossing into his territory? I would be putting the lives of my wolves at risk, and everyone in the village, leaving them exposed. Including Seraphine, Daciana, and the children.
“Viktor?”
Her soft voice came from the half-open door. I hid my feelings and turned, walking toward her. Seraphine bit her lip, unsure what to say.
“I’m fine. Just missing her hit me. I’ll take a shower and meet you soon.”
“Okay.”
We left together, and before heading back down the hallway, she gave me another kiss. I held her, unable to show weakness.
I was the alpha there. I would take care of everything.
Even if fear kept creeping in uninvited.
There was no way to protect everyone at once—and that certainty stabbed me.
(...)
POV Seraphine Valerian:
The days up there continued normally.
I noticed that the residents weren't accustomed to leaving Averwyn much, except to occasionally visit nearby towns and buy something. Mingling with humans or other wolves. But they preferred the prosperous and peaceful life of the village, where they had everything. That's why they didn't feel the isolation so much.
Since the attacks happened at the foot of the mountain, peace still lived there. Even if uncertain because of the war.
I thought that would distress me. But I was happier than I had ever been, almost living a dreamed reality.
If it weren't for missing my aunt, whom I spoke with occasionally on my cell phone, for not being able to visit the Romani people, and for the guilt of Adelina not being there, I would be floating.
I noticed the obvious: I was completely in love with Viktor. That explained my need for him, the longing after just hours apart, the desire mixed with admiration. The internal yearning that made me feel like part of him.
Perhaps our cells had mixed every time he kissed me and came inside me or bit my breasts and ass, licking my blood. I didn't know. It was overwhelming and delicious, voracious and frightening. Real.
I also adapted to life in the village and started working more at the school, in their daily routine. I had coffee with Stoica, learned to embroider better with Ruby's tips, even talked more freely with Lana. The two duchesses always waved and started conversations.
I dealt with my jealousy, almost certain that they and Lana had slept with Viktor. At first I was irritated and suspicious, but I noticed that everyone assumed he was with me and didn't get involved. And what we had was so strong that it was set aside.
For the first time I felt part of a clan, despite having ended up there against my will. I thought a lot about what I would do if Viktor opened the door for me and gave me the chance to choose to leave. I would choose to stay there with him. That was certain.
After a week, no other note from Katarina arrived on the agreed day. I saw him getting more and more tense, and when he came home at night, it bothered him.
These had been hectic days, with attacks and explosions, ground gained by the wolves. They died, regrouped, and came back.
Viktor stayed in the castle office until late, watching the cameras on the computer and scribbling things I assumed were counterattack strategies. I stopped at the door and contemplated him, his concentrated expression, his brown hair in a dark mahogany falling over his forehead, soft music playing.
He raised his head, and his black, penetrating gaze made me tremble inside. It was always like that, an earthquake just from being near him, from feeling him. I approached slowly as he leaned back in his chair, his full attention on me.