Chapter 48 48
Chapter 48 48
Darius’ POV
“I got the pink stones you asked for.”
Draven’s voice cut through the quiet the moment I stepped into the penthouse and he extended a sleek black case toward me, his usual calm expression in place. I took it without hesitation, flipping it open as I walked.
Inside, the delicate strand of soft pink crystals caught the light beautifully and a faint smile tugged at my lips, it was perfect.
Elara had been obsessing over the details of her new car and every inch had to reflect her taste and her personality. This would be the finishing touch, something elegant and something uniquely hers.
“She’ll love it,” I murmured more to myself than to him.
Elara loves expensive things just like we and we almost have similar taste.
I snapped the case shut and glanced toward the clock on the wall. It was later than I have planned to be home but still earlier than usual.
Even Mike noticed and I caught the flicker of surprise in his eyes as I passed, though he kept his mouth shut like he’d been instructed. Good because I wasn’t in the mood for questions. I can't still believe he tried to blackmail Zara few days ago.
Elara was likely out probably with Kaelan.
The thought sat heavily in my chest, though I ignored it and Ethan? He should be outside somewhere, finishing his training session with Zara.
“Anything else?” Draven asked, checking his watch and I shook my head.
“That’ll be all, you can go get some rest.”
A knowing grin spread across his face and it was one I chose to ignore as he turned and headed for the exit.
“Enjoy your evening,” he added, tone laced with implication.
I exhaled sharply, shaking my head as the door closed behind him then I turned toward the stairs.
There was no point waiting around for Elara because if she was with Kaelan, she wouldn’t be back anytime soon and lately, she has been spending more nights away than in this house and when Kaelan stayed over, I pretended not to notice.
Some things were easier left unspoken.
I took the stairs quickly, my grip tightening slightly around the black case.
I will leave the gift on her bed and let it be a surprise.
Something simple and something normal, so reaching her door, I didn’t hesitate, my hand closed around the handle, and I pushed it open and everything stopped because the scent hit me first, it was lavender, soft, warm and unmistakably hers, Zara.
My body went rigid, my gaze snapped forward and locked onto her.
She stood there, frozen, eyes wide with shock.
For a moment, neither of us moved and then my gaze dropped and I saw too much.
Bare skin, soft curves and the unmistakable outline of her body, unguarded, exposed in a way that sent something dark and primal stirring beneath my skin.
My wolf reacted instantly, possessive, awake and hungry.
A low, dangerous energy coiled in my chest as my jaw tightened.
She gasped sharp, completely startled and quickly grabbed for the nearest piece of clothing, pressing it against herself.
The motion snapped me out of it and I blinked, dragging my gaze back up to her face and forcing control where instinct wanted none.
“What the hell are you doing in my daughter’s room?” I demanded, my voice harsher than I intended.
She wasn’t supposed to be her and this floor and these rooms were off-limits.
That had been made clear but she didn’t flinch.
Instead, she met my gaze head-on, defiance flashing in her eyes even as she clutched the fabric to her chest.
“Do you always walk into rooms without knocking?” she shot back, her tone steady.
My eyes darkened because no one spoke to me like that no one and yet.....
Before I could respond, another voice cut in.
“Dad?”
Elara, she stepped into view behind me, confusion written across her face. “Why are you home so early?”
I didn’t look at her immediately. My focus lingered just for a second too long on Zara before I forced myself to turn.
“Why are you here?” I countered sharply.
“Shouldn’t you be with Kaelan?”
She shrugged like it was nothing.
“He had a meeting and I had time to spare so I stayed here.”
Something about that answer didn’t sit right with me.
“With Zara?” I asked slowly, each word deliberate.
A bright smile spread across her face.
“Yes. Ethan likes her, and I wanted to see why.”
My jaw clenched.
“This is fascinating and all,” Zara muttered behind me, her voice edged with tension, “but I’d really appreciate some privacy.”
She turned away from us, her back now facing the door as she held the shirt against herself.
Elara’s eyes widened suddenly. “Oh..Goddess!”
She smacked my arm instinctively. “Dad! Were you just standing there watching her change?!”
Her hand hit solid muscle, and she winced instantly. “Ow!”
“I wasn’t watching her,” I ground out, irritation lacing my voice and behind us, Zara finally pulled the blouse over her head and when she turned back around, I forgot how to breathe.
The top dipped low, revealing far more than it concealed, the fabric clinging to her in a way that made every curve impossible to ignore. The skirt sat high on her hips, hugging her body like it had been made for her.
It was Elara’s outfit but on Zara?
It was something else entirely, something dangerous.
My fingers twitched at my side, an unfamiliar tension tightening through me as I forced my expression into something neutral.
“Elara,” I said, tearing my gaze away with effort, “I came to leave this for you.”
I lifted the black case, holding it out. “For your car.”
Her attention shifted instantly, excitement replacing suspicion as she took it from my hand but I barely noticed because no matter how hard I tried, I could still feel her standing there too close, tempting and far too forbidden.