Chapter 55 DON’T WANT TO CAUSE PAIN
Edeline
I took a deep breath, closing my eyes and trying to relax. Who would come up here if we hadn’t gone down? The tree house was hidden among thick leaves, branches, and ivy.
I woke up quietly, suddenly realizing I was still without clothes. Percival glanced at me, then tossed me the T-shirt I’d been wearing. We both hurriedly dressed, making sure to be as quiet as possible. Percival grabbed the masking spray and gave me a serious look.
“Hey, close your eyes,” he said, his breath cool against my skin. I felt a shiver, though my earlier desire had faded. I looked up and met his eyes, my confusion evident as I glanced between him and the spray in his hand.
“What are you going to do?” I whispered, anxiety creeping into my voice, hoping he wasn’t planning something I feared.
With a sigh, he gently set down the spray and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. His lips moved to my ear as he spoke softly, “If someone’s out there, they might spot us and report us if we stick together. I’ll go check it out. I’ll make sure you’re fully covered so you can stay put until I get back. If everything’s clear, we can pick up where we left off.” His lips brushed my neck, lingering for a moment. The touch sent electric tingles through me, causing a clench in my lower muscles.
But cooler heads prevailed.
Returning to reality, I took a step back and locked eyes with him. “Z, sorry, but I can’t be here with you right now. It’s just too risky. I can’t afford to look foolish or be the subject of gossip. Plus, I don’t want to cause any more pain.” I glanced down at the floor. “Let’s just go. You check it out in wolf form to catch the scent, and then we can leave. I’ll come down a little later.”
He looked at the floor, a faint frown forming on his face. “So, this is it?” His voice carried the weight of the pain I’d been feeling, a familiar ache I knew all too well.
I stepped into his embrace, feeling the spark between us reignite. Leaning into his tall frame, my head nestled against his chest. He wrapped his arms around me tightly, and his gaze met mine with a slight upward tilt. I held my breath as his hand gently caressed my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. The touch was electrifying, making my skin tingle with delight.
I couldn’t help but lean into the hug, wishing our souls could connect. Spending time together felt like pure bliss. It’s amazing what the body can feel.
“Hey Edeline, I really don’t want to leave this spot with you. I mean, I’d suggest running away together, but...”
“Well, you need to find out if your pup’s going to make it or not. I get it, Z. It’s tough to hear, but I understand.”
Our eyes locked, and he studied me closely. “Are you really sure you want to go? We don’t have to... There’s no danger until my dad gives the order to the pack, and he won’t do that tonight. Not until he sees how the witch is doing.” He lowered his nose to mine, our foreheads touching. The warmth of his hand on my cheek intensified, comforting and tender.
“The witch?” I asked, my voice breaking with a mix of contentment and curiosity as his skin lingered against mine.
“So, Tatiana has a new name now. I really can’t stand calling her that. But are you absolutely sure you want to end things now? We won’t get another chance, especially with everyone on high alert. Just tell me, please,” he pleaded, his voice filled with urgency. I could feel his excitement pressing against my lower back, as if our connection was always alive whenever we were together.
I shut my eyes, the sting of pain sharp and immediate. In the quiet moment, I made my choice. “I’m sure. We can’t, Percival. We just can’t risk it. I’m sorry.” I looked up to see the regret in his eyes, a reflection of my own sorrow.
Yeah, this was definitely the right call. I didn’t want to tarnish my family’s reputation any further, and getting into trouble was the last thing I needed. I couldn’t keep putting myself through this emotional turmoil.
Percival let out a deep sigh and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. I could feel the profound sadness radiating from him. I took a deep breath, savoring his scent, something I knew I’d remember for a long time.
He moved his face back, his gaze meeting mine. The blue sky seemed to blend with the lush green of the grass beneath us. “I’ll always love you, no matter what. Remember everything we talked about tonight. I won’t be with Tatiana. I’m happy to be a father, but I wish it were later in life and with you. Regardless of what happens, just know that I love you and only you.” His words brought tears to my eyes, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions inside me.
I couldn’t help but cry as he looked down at me, his face a canvas of mixed emotions. He gently held my cheek and tilted my face towards his, kissing me with a passion that was both comforting and intense. His lips on mine felt warm and pleasant. We locked lips, his teeth gently nibbling on my bottom lip. He pulled me closer, his tongue exploring the depths of my mouth with an intensity that matched the desire in his touch. Our kiss grew more fervent, his grip revealing how much he wanted me. My inner wolf longed to connect with his, but the overpowering scent kept her from fully emerging. We held each other tightly, our kiss growing more heated. The electric connection between us was undeniable, an intense desire flowing freely between our bodies.
He was mine, but not right now. It always felt like I ended up with secondhand emotions.
Just then, a sound snapped me back to reality—twigs snapping in the distance.