Chapter 45

Reena’s POV

I didn’t sleep well.

Even though the bed was soft and warm, my body kept remembering everything that happened in the garden… his hand on me, his breath, the fear.

And then… Dante.

“No one dares to touch what’s mine.”

I turned on the bed and squeezed my eyes shut.

Why did that line keep echoing in my head?

I hated it.

I hated how it made my chest feel tight… and warm at the same time.

It didn’t make sense.

A knock pulled me out of my thoughts.

I froze.

“Come in,” I said, my voice low.

The door opened, and he walked in like he owned the entire world.

Which… he probably did. The Feral Alpha, Dante.

My eyes dropped instantly to his hands.

His knuckles were bruised and slightly swollen with small cuts too.

My chest tightened again.

That… was because of me.

I sat up slowly. “Your hand…”

He didn’t answer. Just walked further into the room and stopped in front of me.

Cold. As always.

Silent. As always.

But his eyes weren't calm.

“I’m fine,” he said flatly.

I frowned.

“You’re not,” I replied before I could stop myself.

His gaze dropped to me, sharp and heavy.

“Did I ask for your concern?” he said.

There it is.

The same cold man.

The same cruel Alpha.

Good.

That made things easier.

I scoffed lightly and stood up. “Fine. Let it rot then.”

I turned away like I didn’t care.

But my feet didn’t move.

Why?

I don’t know.

Maybe because I did care.

Annoyingly, I let out a small breath and turned back.

“Sit.”

The word slipped out before I could rethink it.

His brows furrowed slightly.

“You’re giving me orders now?” he asked.

I crossed my arms. “No. I’m fixing something you caused.”

His jaw tightened.

For a second, I thought he would snap.

But instead, he sat down.

That shocked me more than anything and I blinked.

Wait… he actually listened?

I quickly looked away before he noticed.

“Don’t get used to it,” he muttered.

I didn’t reply.

I walked to the small cabinet and grabbed a first aid kit. My hands were steady, but inside, my heart was doing something weird again.

I came back and stood in front of him.

“Give me your hand.”

He didn’t move.

I sighed. “What now?”

“You’re bold today,” he said, watching me closely.

“I’m tired,” I replied. “There’s a difference.”

That seemed to shut him up.

Finally, he stretched his hand out.

I held it.

And for a second…

Everything went quiet.

His hand was big. Warm. Rough.

My fingers felt small against his.

I swallowed and focused.

Don’t think.

Just treat it.

I cleaned the cut gently.

He didn’t flinch.

Of course he didn’t.

He’s a monster.

“You hit him too hard,” I muttered.

He was silent for a minute before his eyes flickered to me and then he spoke.

“Not hard enough.”

I rolled my eyes. “He could’ve died.”

“And?” he replied coldly.

I stopped for a second.

Then continued cleaning.

“You’re insane,” I said.

“I know.”

I shook at his admission, who says they are crazy?

I wrapped the bandage around his knuckles slowly.

My fingers brushed his skin again.

That strange feeling returned and I hated it.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I said quietly.

“Do what?”

“Help me.”

Silence again.

I finally looked up at him.

His eyes were already on me.

Heavy, unreadable and dangerous.

“You came with me,” he said. “You represent me.”

That’s it?

That’s the reason?

Something in my chest dropped.

Of course.

What was I even expecting?

I pulled my hand away from his and stepped back.

“Well, thanks for protecting your reputation then,” I said dryly.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

I turned away, annoyed at myself.

Why did that bother me?

I shouldn’t care.

I don’t belong to him.

I don’t belong to anyone.

“I’m not yours,” I said suddenly.

The words came out sharp and clear.

Silence filled the room.

Then…

A low chuckle.

I turned back slowly.

Big mistake.

He was looking at me like prey.

“Are you sure…” he said, voice deep and dangerous.

He leaned slightly forward.

“…personal maid?”

My chest tightened instantly.

There it is.

That word again, that reminder.

I scoffed, crossing my arms.

“Don’t push it.”

“Or what?” he asked calmly.

I stepped closer, lifting my chin.

“I’m not one of your toys.”

His gaze dropped briefly to my lips… then back to my eyes.

Slow and intentional.

“I know,” he said.

That caught me off guard.

Wait… what?

But before I could react—

He stood up.

Too close.

Way too close.

My breath hitched, but I refused to step back.

“I don’t keep toys,” he added quietly.

His voice was different.

Lower, rougher and more dangerous.

My heart started racing again.

I hate this.

I hate how he does this.

“You should rest,” he said, suddenly pulling back like nothing happened.

Just like that.

Distant again.

Like he didn’t just mess with my head.

“I have matters to handle.”

Of course he does.

I turned away quickly.

“Then go,” I said.

He didn’t move immediately.

I could feel his eyes on me, very burning.

Then the door opened and close again.

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding and

dropped onto the bed.

What is wrong with me?

I touched my chest lightly.

My heart was still beating fast.

Too fast and very dangerous.

Because the more time I spend with him…

The more dangerous he becomes.

And I’ve already made that mistake once.

I won’t make it again.