Chapter 44 Open Her Heart
Finley
Congratulations, Finley. You’ve managed to stay one step ahead of them in your own way.
I cheered myself on, though I wasn’t entirely convinced. Watching Hayden mark Phoebe earlier still left a bitter taste in my mouth. I tried to ignore it, but the scent of him lingering on her skin made it impossible to forget.
There was nothing I could do about it. This was our fate.
But out of everything about this mate bond, the worst part was the constant rivalry between Hayden and Adonis.
They never stopped arguing, always fighting to prove who had the greater claim on Phoebe. And I was stuck in the middle of it all, caught between their endless battle.
I should be siding with Adonis—I was bound to him—but I wasn’t blind. I could see how Hayden treated Phoebe, how much he cared for her, how much he wanted her.
And I understood.
Because I wanted her too.
I wanted her in ways I wasn’t sure I was ready to admit.
And it scared me.
Adonis in his primal state was something terrifying, and I knew Hayden feared it as much as I did. Everything had been fine so far, but there was no telling how long that peace would last.
“Finley?”
I snapped out of my thoughts as Tyra nudged my shoulder.
“Huh?”
“What’s got you spacing out like that? Look at you—you’re the one who kissed her, but now you’re the one looking all lost in thought. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?” Tyra teased.
I turned to Phoebe, who indeed seemed to be deep in thought. My throat went dry as the memory of what had just happened resurfaced.
I kissed Phoebe.
In front of everyone.
And now...
“Ah, yeah,” I muttered. “I guess we can do that now.”
I froze the moment I stepped into our room.
There, lying on her bed, was Hayden—fast asleep.
My eyes widened in disbelief. I thought he had gone back to the dorms after what happened earlier. But instead, he was still here.
“For the Moon Goddess’ sake! What the hell are you doing here?” I blurted out.
Phoebe walked in a few minutes later and looked just as shocked as I was.
“Should we wake him up?” she asked hesitantly.
“Yes,” I said firmly. “He’s our senior. He shouldn’t be here.”
“But…”
“I can hear you,” Hayden mumbled, eyes still closed.
“Good. Then hurry up and leave,” I snapped.
Hayden finally opened his eyes, glancing at Phoebe before speaking. “Do you want me to leave, Phoebe?”
She bit her lip, hesitating. “Uhm… honestly, I want you to stay. But Finley seems upset with you, so I’m not sure.”
Hayden smirked. “That’s enough for me. Just admit it, Knight—you’re jealous.”
I growled in irritation, but Hayden continued casually, “We already made a deal, and I never go back on my word. You can do whatever you want—even if you two mate right in front of me, I won’t complain. As long as I was the first.”
“You’re so damn annoying,” I muttered through gritted teeth.
“Fine. If you’re not going to do it, then I will.”
Hayden shrugged, completely unfazed.
I saw red.
I nearly lunged at him, but at the last second, I swallowed my anger and snapped, “Hey, I never said I wouldn’t. Don’t assume—”
I stopped myself just in time.
Shit.
I had just walked right into his trap.
Hayden smirked like he had just won a game, while Phoebe stared at me, eyes wide. Feeling my irritation bubbling over, I turned around, ready to leave before he could push me any further.
“Finley, wait. Don’t go.”
Her hand wrapped around my wrist, halting my movements. My heartbeat stuttered.
Phoebe stepped closer, rising on her toes, and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.
Her lips barely brushed against my skin, but my mind went completely blank.
“Stay,” she whispered. “I want you here.”
Lexus—my wolf—stirred inside me, his instincts flaring at her closeness.
Her scent, her touch… everything about her was pulling me in.
I didn’t fight it.
Before I could think twice, I cupped the back of her neck and closed the distance between us.
Our lips met in a heated, desperate kiss.
Phoebe gasped softly but didn’t pull away. Instead, she melted into me, her arms looping around my neck as she kissed me back with just as much urgency.
I deepened the kiss, claiming her, demanding more.
I wanted more.
I pressed her gently against the wall, my hands gripping her waist as I pulled her closer. She moaned softly against my lips, her fingers tangling in my hair.
I was drowning in her.
Moon Goddess, I wanted her so badly.
But I couldn’t let this get out of hand.
Panting, I pulled back slightly, staring at her flushed face. Her lips were swollen from our kiss, her eyes dazed.
Before I could say anything, Hayden’s voice cut through the silence.
“I’ll be going now.”
I turned to see him standing by the door, his expression unreadable.
There was something in his eyes—a flicker of sadness—but he quickly masked it with a small smile.
“I won’t interfere,” he said simply.
Then, without another word, he walked out.
For once, I didn’t stop him.
When I looked back at Phoebe, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
“I want to take things slow,” I said quietly. “I don’t want to rush this.”
Phoebe smiled softly. “I was thinking the same thing.”
I brushed my thumb over her cheek, savoring the way she leaned into my touch.
“Phoebe…” My voice was barely above a whisper. “I won’t mate with you until you’re truly ready.”
She held my gaze for a long moment.
Then, to my complete surprise, she spoke with absolute certainty.
“I am ready, Finley.”
I froze.
I searched her face for hesitation, for doubt—but there was none.
Phoebe was completely sure.
And now, the decision was mine to make.
Was I ready to embrace this fate? To embrace her?
One thing was certain—there was no turning back now.