Chapter 31

KLAUS.

I stared into the deep hues of her Amber-colored eyes, which I always got lost in. It was unique and cat-shaped.

She weaved her hands into mine, in an attempt to coax me, "I am sorry, Klaus. I would really love to meet them, but..."

"But, nothing," I spoke in a whisper, bringing our entwined hands to my chest. I needed to make her understand...she might not trust me wholeheartedly yet, but I was grasping at every inch of straw.

"Amber, I know...I know I seem like a stranger to you and all that. But I...I am your mate, and you are mine. Our Packs might be at loggerheads, but you know I would never do anything to hurt you or put you in danger. I would always look out for you."

I placed a hand on her cheeks, cupping them, as I stared deeply into her eyes, "Trust me."

She shook her head, as she made to retract her hands, but I held on tighter.

"Klaus..."

"Please, Amber," I said softly, "I am not asking for much. You know that."

"You are not listening to me, Klaus. I can't just leave. Not today at least. I need to..." She huffed, her eyes glazing over, until they finally rested on mine, "Enzo needs me, Klaus. You know he's going through a lot these days."

Right! Enzo. I felt my heart clench as the name rolled off her lips. It was always Enzo. I couldn't understand the bond that tied them together, and I never wanted to know.

I slowly let go of her hands, my shoulders hunched as she continued, "He is still your brother, Klaus. And right now, he needs someone by his side. Anyone. I can't just let him be."

"And I am your mate, Amber," I couldn't get used to her words, even as I stared at her, fighting to control my wolf.

"Do you not consider me as well? I am willing to let go of any animosity between us...because of you." I stood up abruptly, pacing.

The relationship between my stepbrother, Enzo, and my mate was something that didn't sit quite well with me.

I only found her when I finally set foot in this Pack, my biological parent's pack. The last time I was here, was on the day they passed. The day I saw him murder them in cold blood.

And then ten years later, I returned, with the intent to confront him of his deeds. To take responsibility for his actions. But no, my brother, Enzo, threatened to do the same to me and everyone I loved if I ever revealed it.

Worse, I found out his closest buddy, and confidant was none other than my own Mate. Amber.

Even his Beta, Kai, then, wasn't as close as they were, and it irked me so badly, that I wanted to take her out there, and to my Pack.

The second intention I had, coming back to the Pack was to finally reclaim my position, which I swore to do after he was exposed.

These thoughts swirled in my head as I paced in the woods, not realizing on time, the beast that stood right in front of me.

A beast I recognized so well. Feral and ever so scary. But it's gaze wasn't on me. It happened so fast, and as I turned, Amber was already on her feet with a panicked look on her face.

"Enzo?" She called out, and my brows furrowed.

A loud guttural growl escaped from the beast and before we knew it, it appeared right at Amber's back.

My eyes went wide in panic as its clawed hands came out of her chest, all bloodied, and went right back. Amber's eyes widened in shock for a fleeting moment, and then she slumped, falling right into my arms.

****

I sucked in a deep breath as I blinked rapidly, shaking the painful scenario out of my head. It never seemed to elude me. I slept and woke up with nightmares, every fucking night.

The guilt eats up at me all the time. I was right there with her, but I couldn't-- I was not able to save her.

Staring into this strange lady's eyes did a good job of relieving the painful memories once again.

But who could she be?

I heard a clatter behind me, and I turned sharply. There she was, her hands trembling as she tried to grab another Kn!fe from a rack.

I dived at her, grabbing her tightly this time, and far away from the spot. Thankfully, she hadn't gotten a hold of it, yet.

She thrashed and writhed, her legs flailing as she tried to pull herself away.

I pulled her tightly to me, "Hey, hey, stop that."

"Let me go!" She screamed out, her dark hair falling in waves, all over her face.

"For someone who clearly has no will to live, you sure have a lot of fight left in you," I said, as I finally pulled her out of the kitchen, shutting the door behind us.

My hands were wrapped over her, pinning her arms in place until she began to calm down.

Heavy footsteps sounded on the marble floors, and Lorenzo's voice echoed in the hallway.

"Get the fuck away from her!" He stomped toward us, as he got to us. I slowly released my hold on her.

She seemed to stop struggling at that moment, as Lorenzo pulled her away from me.

"What the fuck did you do to her?" He asked, his eyes darting from mine to hers.

His arms wrapped around her, and from the rise and fall of her shoulder, I could tell she was sobbing.

I shook my head, suddenly losing all interest in the show. But just as I made to walk past, my brows furrowed.

The scenario just now!

Her knees gave out, in his arms and he held her back, crouching lower as he...comforted her?

Oh damn!!!

Despite myself, I chuckled, a smirk forming on my lips, "This is interesting."

His head snapped to mine and he scowled, "Get the fuck out, Klaus!"

"I wonder what on earth you must have done that made her wanna commit suicide," I shook my head.

"You are still as despicable as ever. Tell me, when are you gonna rip this one's heart out? Huh? Trust me I'd gladly do it for..."

He growled suddenly. And I knew I had hit a button.

Crossing my arms on my chest, I asked, "I must say, Enzo. You have quite the taste when it comes to picking your women."