Chapter 76
ELARA'S POV
A Week Later.
It's been a week since the chilling confirmation about the sender behind those blank letters. Darius. There was no doubt about it, no one else wanted me, no one else was chasing, it was only him.
And just like Kael said, he wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.
The air in Kael's palace had been very suffocating, it thrummed with a nervous enegry that mirrored my own. Every shadow seemed deeper, every sound sharper.
A sigh escaped my lips as I watched the snow fall outside my window. The white flakes drifted down, blanketing the Lycan lands in a deceptive layer of peace. The door creaked open, and Kael walked in, a wave of warmth accompanying him.
"Hey," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I was wondering where you were." He looked concerned, and I couldn't help but feel a little guilty for shutting myself away.
"Hi," I smiled, a weak imitation of genuine happiness. He sat down on the chair beside the bed, and I walked over to the bed to sit.
"What's wrong?" He asked in a gentle tone as he reached out and took my hand.
"This week has been...overwhelming," I admitted. The fear, the uncertainty constant undercurrent of danger. It was all starting to suffocate me.
"I know," he said, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. "It will be fine. We will get through this."
He said the words with such conviction, but I couldn't reply and just sighed, then turned my eyes back to my window watching the snow.
"It's boring staying in your room all day, Elara, it's also not healthy for you and the baby." He stood up, pulling me to my feet. "Mind taking a walk to my office?"
"Okay." I agreed, letting him lead me out of my room. Once outside, he instructed Liam to stay on guard in case anyone walked past my room.
As we walked towards his office, only one thing played in my head: We may have found who had written the letters and sent it, but who dropped it in my room was still a mystery we had to crack. Someone was definitely working with Darius right underneath our nose in the palace, but who?
As we entered his office, he walked towards his large oak desk, while I browsed through the shelves, pulling out a worn copy of "Wuthering Heights."
"So, what do you think about this?" His voice made me turn around, he was gesturing to a large map spread across his desk. A grin appeared on his lips as he continued. "I'm thinking of expanding my lands." He said, looking up at me with eyes filled with ambition.
"Hmmm," I walked closed and examined the map. "Perhaps this location would be better," I suggested, pointing to an area marked with a large X. "Compared to this." I pointed to the one he was pointing to.
"Heard it's not a good site," he frowned slightly.
"I passed through there a long time ago while I was running away. Trust me, it is. The lands seems way better than most I've seen."
"Okay," He nodded, "I trust your judgement," he then turned to me, his expression suddenly serious. "Why don't you join the meeting with me and the elders? Your insight would be invaluable, especially since you have been to the werewolf realm, you could contribute alot, Elara."
I chuckled softly as I waved my hand dismissively. "Oh no- please. I can't."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't belong there." I said, the words hanging in the air between us.
"What do you mean? You do belong there. You belong here with me." I couldn't help but wince at how hurt he sounded.
"I don't, Kael..." I said, but began to trail off as I couldn't find the right words. It was hard trying to make him understand.
"What more can I do to make you realize I want things to improve between us?" He asked, his eyes pleading.
His question caught me off guard, I choose to remain silent. It was too risky to talk. He was closing in, and my carefully constructed walls were starting to crumble.
"Elara-" he took a step towards me.
"It's not that," I cut him off. "It's just too soon." I was trying to protect myself, but it was getting harder and harder.
"How much longer do you need then?" He asked in a frustrated tone.
I looked away, bitting my lower lip. "It's not that simple."
"Why?" He demanded, his voice rising slightly.
"The matter at hand isn't an easy one, Kael. I've caused enough damage to everyone already."
"No you haven't," he frowned. "Stop acting like it's your fault. None of this is your fault."
"But it is!" I sighed as I walked back and leaned against a wall, looking down. "It's because I exist, my mere existence is the cause of everything. You don't understand how tiring this is. Living in hiding...regrets...its sickening." I murmured the last part as I hugged myself, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over.
He let out a sigh and walked towards me, only stopping few inches away. "I do know what's like to live in regret, Elara," he breathed out and I dared to look up at him as he continued. "And that's why I want to make up for the past."
"It's not that easy," I whispered. "I'm trying hard to hold myself back and you're making it harder."
I could feel myself weakening, the magnetic pull and mate bond between us was growing stronger. I had felt for some time, but I tried hard to deny it.
Could I really accept the fact that I was fated to two men?
"Then why not stop?" He asked, his voice husky. He reached out and gently brushed a stray of hair from my face
"Why should I?" I asked, my voice trembling. I could feel the need in me growing, but I wanted to stop it.
"Because it's meant to be? It's our destiny, Elara. I know I acted like I didn't know that, but I do. And I accept it."
I stayed silent and stared deep into his eyes. They were filled with desperate longing. He reached out and cupped my face in his hands, his thumbs tracing the curve of my cheekbones.
We both said nothing and just stared into each other eyes. He lowered his head, his lips hovering just above mine.
"Can I kiss you?" he whispered, his voice rough with desire. "Just once?"
And against my better judgement, I nodded. His lips met mine, soft and tentative at first, then grew bolder and more demanding. I melted into him, forgetting everything but the feel of his mouth on mine, the scent of him and this overwhelming rush of desire.
His arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer as we both deepened the kiss. His lips devoured mine with an hunger I couldn't meet up with. The world around us began to fade away, leaving just the two of us in this moment. I knew I was going to question my actions later, but for now.... I was willing to risk it.
"Lycan." A voice boomed, shattering the spell as Kael pulled away, his eyes flashing with anger. I stumbled back, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"What is it?" Kael growled at the guard who stood at the entrance of his office, his voice was laced with barely suppressed rage.
"We have a situation Sire,"
"And that is?"
"Alpha Ronan from the Mountain Dew Pack has approached our lands."
The color drained from my face, leaving me cold and hollow.
Ronan? He came?