Chapter 103 YOU DESERVE BETTER
Tatiana
I took a deep breath as I approached the back door of my bedroom, which led out to the peaceful woods behind our cabin. Nixx just couldn’t stay away. He was an incredible wolf—so amazing, it was almost hard to believe.
As I heard my aunt chatting with someone in the front room, I quietly opened the back door and stepped outside, gently closing it behind me. The cool night air greeted me as I moved onto the back porch. A soft whine drifted from the tree line, and I caught a glimpse of Nixx’s eyes—shimmering spheres watching me as they had for countless evenings.
I’d been hesitant to approach him, burdened by a lingering sense of guilt. From the moment we first met, I’d felt an overwhelming sense of despair.
“Nixx?” I murmured, my voice barely audible as his wolf form emerged from the trees. He moved with deliberate caution, taking one careful step at a time, as if he were afraid to startle me. A grin spread across my face at the sight of him.
I was mesmerized as I watched the majestic transformation of his cobalt gray wolf into a man. His fur seamlessly shifted into skin as he crouched, unclothed. His gaze met mine under the soft moonlight, our eyes locking in a silent exchange.
“Hey…” he said, his deep voice carrying a hint of sadness. Despite his evident discomfort, he tried to smile at me, though his teeth remained hidden. A rush of emotions surged through me, and a smile tugged at my lips, making my heart race.
“Um, hi,” I replied awkwardly, noting his impressive 6'3" physique. My eyes wandered over his massive frame—wow, he was truly built. I felt a blush creep up as he seemed to shrink a little under my gaze. He quickly retrieved a pair of shorts from behind a tree and slipped them on, while I watched in silence.
It was the first time I had touched his skin since my stay in the hospital. I wanted to communicate that I couldn’t be with him, though I had to admit I desired him as much as I thought he might desire me. I looked down at my stomach, realizing there was no clear solution—unless, of course, I experienced a miscarriage, which was still a possibility. Aunt Anita was doing everything she could to prevent that, though it seemed unlikely. I decided to keep this adorable little pup.
I glided over to him, feeling the breeze tickle my bare feet as my dress swayed with each step. The dense forest surrounded us, far from the cabin. His eyes were locked on me, and it was a mesmerizing sight as all his attention focused on me. I could feel the anticipation in the air as I stood just inches away from him. I gave him a small smile, keeping my almost-healed arm close in the sling. I couldn’t help but admire his well-defined physique—from his strong shoulders to his chiseled chest, his impressive eight-pack, and the V shape of his hips that disappeared into the waistband of his shorts. His forearms were incredibly strong, veins pulsing visibly with each movement.
His hand gently brushed a lock of my long blonde curls behind my ear, causing a subtle ripple in his bicep. The touch took me by surprise, and a strong desire surged through me, pulling me closer to him.
When he looked at me with that intense gaze, it felt like I was the only woman in the world. But the thought of my father discovering that he’s my mate terrified me. I feared that my true self would be exposed, and I absolutely couldn’t let that happen. Although, I was pretty sure it had already happened.
"You look absolutely stunning," he murmured, his soft voice sending a delightful shiver down my spine.
Having someone right in front of you—someone who seems perfect in every way—yet always missing out on being with them, was like bursting someone's bubble. It felt like I was shattering the fairy-tale illusion that a girl can never truly become a princess or find her prince charming.
As his figure blurred in the moonlight, tears welled up in my eyes. They streamed down my face as I crumbled to the ground before him, clutching my stomach with my one good hand. Overwhelmed and hopeless, I found myself right in front of the person I cared about deeply, but knowing our love could never be. I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer, feeling his presence as he gently embraced me, offering comfort and support.
"Hey there, hush… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come here, but I just can’t resist being near you. Please, don’t cry. It breaks my heart to hear you weep." His voice trembled, and his embrace brought me a sense of joy that I felt I didn’t deserve. I felt utterly repulsive.
I wiped away my tears and looked into his eyes, which were also brimming with unshed tears. Why would he shed tears for someone like me?
Wow, I couldn’t believe I had found my mate already! I never realized the depth of this connection. I thought I could turn my partner away and be okay, but my previous assumption had proven wrong.
"You’re too good for me… you shouldn’t be here. You deserve better than me," I whispered tearfully, my head bowed in shame. His hands remained steady, gently stroking my back and encouraging me to relax. His allure was irresistible.
"Please don’t say that. I can tell you’re not a bad person. I sense it." The sadness in his voice made me yearn for his comfort even more. He was the one who held me close until the moonlight faded.
...
I must admit, I’m not the best at this…
"Please don’t say that. I really need you to dislike me," I pleaded, my eyes full of desperation.
"Never," he whispered softly, gently tilting my chin up to meet his gaze. His features were striking—defined cheekbones, a strong jawline. I couldn’t resist planting a kiss on that solid jawline. He had an unwavering belief in me that I felt I didn’t deserve.