Chapter 52 MY GIRL
Edeline
I sighed and took a step forward, placing one foot in front of the other. I reached out and took his hand, maneuvering myself over him to the spot next to the wall.
“Why do I have to be on the inside?” I asked with a smirk, rolling onto my side to face him.
He brushed his finger gently along my cheek as he locked eyes with me. “Because I’m your protector,” he said, his warm breath sending a shiver down my spine. I couldn’t believe how quickly all my worries melted away whenever he was near.
That’s the kind of impact a friend can have on you.
They offer a sense of security, making you feel special and unique, like you’re the only one in the world who matters.
But I’m not.
I couldn’t help but wonder how Tatiana was faring after our confrontation.
Percival briefly closed his eyes, his expression thoughtful. “I have no idea. I didn’t stick around. I was too busy searching for you. And then I found this incredible deer carcass in the woods...” A grin spread across his face. “That’s my girl!”
My girl...
“Hey, Percival…” I glanced away from his mesmerizing eyes, which I could get lost in forever. They held a certain charm that offered hope, even though I knew he couldn’t make any promises about the future, only about the present moment.
“Edeline, don’t. Please, don’t remind me that this might be our last moment together for a while. I know it’s too soon for me to say this, but… I’ve known you my whole life. I know everything there is to know. How you hate ketchup, how you love scary movies and need someone to hold onto during the worst parts, how you don’t like white gold and prefer yellow, how you hate any food with red sauce, how you detest wearing shoes but do it anyway, and how you have a big heart despite the things people like me have done. Edeline, I love you. I know you don’t trust me anymore. I know I’ve messed everything up, but I swear, if I had known that she-wolf was going into heat, I would have stayed far away. I saved myself for my mate, as cheesy as that sounds, and it was all for nothing because of one awful night that haunts me. I know you hate me for it, but I’ll never stop loving you. Until my last breath, I will find a way to make this right. I promise you.” His eyes were filled with a raw, unfiltered sincerity.
“Just be honest with me. Maybe, if you can find it in your heart to forgive me someday.”
He was really into me...
And he had kept himself just for me.
But Tatiana was the one he lost it to.
I was overwhelmed by a rush of emotions. Everything he said echoed the fears I had kept buried deep inside. I had always believed he didn’t want me because he saw me as too young and naive. Tears streamed down my face, soaking the pillow beneath me. I couldn’t hold back the sobs as he embraced me tightly, offering comfort amidst the storm of my emotions.
“Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to put on a brave face. I’m here for you, always.” His gentle words brushed against my hair, and the tender kiss he placed on my forehead sent a soothing wave of warmth through me.
I didn’t know what to do next.
I can’t have those special moments with him anymore. I can’t really be seen as a respectable woman if I just run off with him. We both have responsibilities. I want him... I really want him all to myself... but with all the embarrassment and remorse tied to being his mate, I don’t think I could ever truly let him have me. Unless Tatiana was completely out of the picture and he had a chance to start anew—which might never happen—I can’t just sit around waiting.
Well, this is it. Our final night together.
It doesn’t matter what my wolf desires. Whatever he wants, that’s all there is to it.
“This is it, Percival,” I said, meeting his gaze with my tired green eyes. His blue eyes reflected his own turbulent emotions.
He held onto my hands, our bodies close, his gaze searching my soul. “Just for now. I won’t give up, Edeline. I’ll keep searching for answers about what happened. I’ll keep showing you that we’re meant to be together... even after Tatiana is out of the picture, I won’t give up. I’ll always strive to be the wolf you need. Even if you move on, I’ll still be there.”
I felt like my heart was starting to heal, like it used to be, but nothing ever feels complete. I was comfortable with him, but the uncertainty of the future filled me with anguish. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck, burying my nose in his skin and breathing deeply. My tears left damp stains on his skin.
His big hands wrapped around my back, giving me a tight embrace and gently rubbing, calming my soul.
Forget about it. If this was our final evening together, I wanted to savor his kiss. I’d deal with the repercussions of missing his touch later. Right now, I needed this—just a little reminder of his affection for me.
I looked up, and our lips met. His kiss was genuine and enthusiastic. His lips were incredibly soft. When our skin touched, the static sparks seemed to vanish, leaving behind a fiery trail. It was scorching!
His lips pressed against mine with a tender touch, as if he was being cautious not to harm me—like my lips were delicate flower petals.
A sweet, gentle kiss.
After tonight, losing him made my kisses frantic and desperate. I reveled in the flavors on his palate and his manly vibe. He playfully licked my bottom lip, as if seeking permission. I gave it without a second thought.
It’s amazing how caught up we can get in each other’s lives.