Chapter 68 BACK TO YOUR OLD SELF
Edeline
He grinned, shaking his head. “Nah, I don’t really talk to her. I was just out in the woods, saw you running, and thought I’d catch up. So, hey, you up for a chat?” His blue eyes were wide and pleading, and he nervously nibbled on his bottom lip.
I let out a quiet sigh. I hoped he hadn’t seen Percival go into the treehouse after me. That would create a whole lot of chaos.
“Yeah, sure. Where do you want to go?” I agreed, trying to sound nonchalant.
Darius’s grin widened. “Hey, let’s go out on the boat!” He grabbed my hand and started pulling me along before I could protest.
I hesitated, remembering the last time we were out on the boat. I’d ended up chilling in my room for two solid weeks, but Darius had been there for me when I needed help. Lately, I’d been pushing him away, even though he’d always been supportive. His overprotective attitude could be annoying, but I had to give him credit.
“Sure,” I said with a grin, deciding to let it go.
We walked over to the rowboat by the dock. Darius helped me in before hopping in himself. We began rowing downstream, the paddle slicing gently through the water. Yet, the feeling of being watched lingered. I glanced up and saw Percival on the cliffs where I’d been moments ago. He looked angry, fists clenched at his sides. Those two brothers were really getting on my nerves with their overprotectiveness.
We eventually found a peaceful spot downstream, where we could relax away from prying eyes. We sat there for a while, soaking in the quiet.
Darius glanced at me briefly before his gaze shifted to the locket hanging around my neck. “Oops, I totally forgot to take it off,” I thought, feeling a pang of anxiety.
“Edeline, I always want what’s best for you,” Darius said gently. “I just wanted to talk about my brother. I’m worried he’s going to end up hurting Tatiana, and I’m concerned about how that might affect you. I wish you could understand that. When you used to visit him, you’d come up with all these ideas and expectations, but it only seemed to make things worse. I just wish you’d trust me.”
I shook my head, frustration bubbling up. “I get it, Darius. I’ve prepared myself for the worst-case scenario, believe me. Those moments when he expressed his feelings helped me detach emotionally instead of feeling crushed. Now, I have the answers I need to focus on my own life. I’m not waiting around for Percival anymore. I’m prioritizing myself. Sure, I’m trying to uncover things for the people who matter to me, but this whole situation is a mess. Someone, especially Percival, is definitely being manipulated. So, despite my mixed feelings, I’ll be alright. I might even meet someone I like. But I won’t let you or anyone else dictate what I should or shouldn’t do. I’m strong now. If I choose to face pain, so be it. And if I choose to live my life, that’s what I’m going to do. But people like you aren’t really helping.” I growled softly, watching his reaction.
He sighed, looking resigned. “I understand, Edeline. I’m sorry. You know I care about you, right? I’m always here for you. Just come to me if you need anything, okay?” His gentle gaze, deep blue eyes slightly darker than Percival’s, softened his words.
I suppose we’ve put our differences aside.
He plopped down in the boat and extended his arms with that familiar, heart-melting expression. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I leaned against him, enjoying the view of the water splashing and the occasional bass leaping.
“This is pretty cool,” he said, taking a deep breath. “Just you and me... like the good old days, before everything changed.”
I chuckled, looking up at him with my head resting on his shoulder. A smile spread across my lips. “Yeah. It’s nice to see you back to your old self. Not the father version of you.” I laughed softly.
We stayed in the boat until it started getting dark. That’s when Darius suggested heading back to the campsite.
When we docked, he helped me onto the wooden platform and wrapped his arms around me, burying his nose in my neck. It felt a bit too close for comfort.
“Hey, Edeline, your heat is coming soon,” he said in a rough, broken voice. “My wolf can detect the sweetness in your scent.”
I blushed, hastily pulling away from him as his arms released their hold on my back.
“Uh, sure…” I said, trying to sound nonchalant. “Mom’s probably going to lock me up when it happens, but it’s still a little while away.” I managed to force a smile, even though my nerves were starting to fray.
Darius embraced me tightly once more, burying his nose in my neck. “I can almost taste your scent on my tongue, Edeline…” He playfully licked my skin, which reminded me of the unique sensations only Percival could provide. Panic surged through me, and my wolf instincts kicked in. My teeth emerged with a fierce growl, snapping Darius out of his daze. He quickly pulled away, his eyes wide with shock.
“Oops, my bad,” he said, looking down with a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. “I have no idea why I did that.” It was an awkward moment for both of us. My wolf wasn’t thrilled about him getting too close; she preferred having just one wolf around. But my human side couldn’t deny the attraction.
His wolf must have sensed my heat—something that’s impossible to hide.
“It’s alright,” I said, trying to ease the tension. “I know it wasn’t you. Anyway, I need to grab some food. I’ll catch you tomorrow, alright? Oh, and just a quick note—guess who’s back?” I couldn’t help but smile, hoping to lighten the mood.
“Who?” Darius asked, a slight frown on his face.
“Hey, Mirabelle!” I said with a grin that was so infectious it quickly spread to him, erasing any trace of embarrassment.