Chapter 33 Battling Hearts
[Lysander]
My hand froze mid-whisk, mortification washing over me as I realized the implications. Heat rushed to my face, turning my ears red. "I—we—" I stammered, completely losing my usual composure.
Ariel laughed softly, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
I cleared my throat, managing a warm if embarrassed smile. "Ariel, I've got breakfast covered this morning. Why don't you take a little break? I promise not to destroy your kitchen."
"Are you sure?" She raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Sounds like you two have been... burning plenty of energy."
"And that's exactly why I need to make a proper breakfast," I replied with a chuckle, my cheeks still burning as I gently steered her toward the doorway. "Go have some coffee in the garden. I'll call you if I need rescuing from these pancakes."
Once alone, I found everything I needed and set to work mixing the batter, desperately trying to regain my composure. Years of field cooking for my unit had made me efficient in any kitchen. I added the fresh blueberries to the mix, enjoying the simple domesticity of the task despite my lingering embarrassment.
The kitchen soon filled with the sweet aroma of cooking pancakes. I was so focused on getting the temperature right for the first batch that I didn't hear Nyx approach. The gentle pressure of her arms wrapping around my waist from behind took me by surprise. I stiffened momentarily, then relaxed into her touch, carefully keeping my movements fluid so she wouldn't notice my reaction and withdraw.
"It smells wonderful," she murmured, her head resting between my shoulder blades, carefully avoiding my wounds.
The casual intimacy of the gesture caught me off guard. This wasn't the guarded, defensive Nyx I'd come to know. This was someone new—or perhaps someone who had been there all along, beneath the layers of hurt and betrayal.
"I told Ariel not to come in for breakfast today," I said, flipping a pancake with practiced ease. "While you're confined to quarters, I'll handle the cooking."
She released me and moved to sit at the kitchen island. I felt the loss of her warmth immediately.
"Are you sure about that? Your back—"
I waved off her concern. "This is nothing. I've had worse training injuries."
I slid a stack of blueberry pancakes onto a plate and placed it in front of her, drizzling honey over the top. She took a bite and her eyes widened.
"This is really good," she said, sounding genuinely surprised.
I took the stool beside her with my own plate, enjoying her appreciation more than the food itself.
"So what's your plan for today?" I asked between bites.
She said. "I'm going to dig into the Eclipse files. My father handed the company to me, but I suspect there might be issues within the organization that need addressing."
I nodded, respecting her decision to confide in me. "If you need any help," I offered, "I actually know someone who might be useful. Timothy Blackwell, COO of Artemis Pharmaceuticals." I tried to sound casual, though seeing her eyes widen slightly was rewarding.
"Artemis?" She sat up straighter. "They're the largest pharmaceutical company in the northern territories. How do you know their COO?"
"Saved his son during a border skirmish three years ago," I explained. "We've kept in touch. He owes me a favor or two."
The excitement that flashed across Nyx's face made my chest tighten. It was rare to see genuine enthusiasm from her.
"I have his private contact," I added, reaching for my phone. Then, feeling suddenly bold, I held the device just out of her reach. "But it'll cost you."
Her eyebrows rose. "Cost me what?"
"A kiss," I said with a grin. "Just one."
I expected her to roll her eyes or make a cutting remark. Instead, she leaned forward so quickly I barely had time to react. Her lips brushed against my cheek, soft and warm, leaving a lingering trace of blueberries and honey.
"There," she said, pulling back with a challenging look in her eyes. "Now hand over that contact."
I blinked, momentarily stunned by her boldness before recovering my composure. "Well worth it," I murmured, sending Timothy's information to her phone.
She leaned back in her chair, cheeks full of pancake like a little chipmunk hoarding food for winter.
"You're the best," she mumbled through her mouthful, her typically guarded expression momentarily replaced with simple contentment. The wolf in me wanted to devour her whole, to keep this rare, unguarded version of Nyx all to myself.
I forced my gaze away, gripping my empty plate a little too tightly. "I should get to the training field soon. New recruits need drilling, and Seth needs extra laps for his attitude."
She nodded, studying the remaining blueberries on her plate. "And I have those Eclipse files to review."
"I'll come back as soon as I'm done," I promised with a playful smile. "I wouldn't want you getting lonely or missing me too much in your confinement."
A flush of pink spread across Nyx's cheeks, highlighting the fine silver-blonde hairs along her jawline that caught the morning light. The sight was captivating.
"Miss you? Please," she scoffed, but her usually sharp voice had softened. "I'll be too busy with actual important work to even notice you're gone."
Morning sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows, illuminating her face. I noticed how her lips pressed together slightly, how her long lashes cast faint shadows on her cheeks. She was beautiful when embarrassed.
"Whatever you say, princess," I replied, not bothering to hide my grin.
Before I could think better of it, I pulled her to me, dishes forgotten. She came willingly into my arms, her small frame fitting perfectly against mine. I buried my face in her hair, breathing in her scent - wild berries and something uniquely Nyx. My breathing quickened as her warmth pressed against me.
"Lysander," she whispered, her voice steady despite the rapid pulse I could feel at her neck. "I know you want to mark me. But I'm not ready for that yet."
I pulled back enough to meet her eyes, forcing my wolf to heel. "I know," I said softly. "And I'll wait. As long as it takes."