Chapter 49 49

Chapter 49 49
Darius’s POV

The moment Elara lifted the lid of the sleek black box, her reaction was instant as I expected.

A sharp gasp tore from her lips and her entire face lighting up like she had just been handed the world. The soft pink gems shimmered under the bedroom lights, delicate yet expensive, the kind of piece only someone like me would think to get.

“Dad!” she breathed, her voice bursting with excitement as she threw herself into my arms.

Her hug was tight, genuine… warm.

“I love it. I really love it thank you so much.”

For a brief second, I allowed myself to return the embrace, resting my hand lightly on her back because moments like this were rare and I gave her everything I could, because she was mine but my attention shifted the second she pulled away because she didn’t stay with me.

She rushed straight to Zara.

“Look at it,” Elara said excitedly, holding the gems up between them, her eyes sparkling.

“I’ve been wanting something special for my car, and this is perfect for the mirror don’t you think?”

I watched Zara closely and she forced a smile and I was surprised that she was actually trying to get along with Elara considering she's was marrying her fated mate but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“It’s beautiful,” she said softly after a brief pause. “It’ll look really nice.”

My wolf stirred faintly at the sight of her standing there in Elara’s clothes, trying to look unaffected, trying to belong in a space that wasn’t hers and yet… she fit too well.

“I knew you’d like it,” I added, my gaze never leaving her.

Elara bounced on her feet, completely oblivious to the undercurrents filling the room.

“I’m going to put it in my car right now!” she announced. “Zara, come see it before you leave!”

And just like that, she was gone rushing out of the room in a blur of excitement.

The door clicked shut and thick and heavy silence followed.

Now it was just the two of us and my eyes dropped slowly, taking in every inch of Zara.

The blouse dipped low, exposing the soft swell of her cleavage, the fabric clinging just enough to tease and the skirt hugged her hips like it had been made for her, riding high on her thighs, showing off long, smooth legs that made something dark twist inside me.

My jaw tightened. “I thought we had an understanding about how you dress,” I said, my voice coming out sharper than intended.

Her reaction was immediate because her face paled slightly, her throat moving as she swallowed.

“I had an accident,” she replied, attempting nonchalance, but I could hear the faint strain beneath it.

My eyes narrowed, what kind of accident?”

The question came out lower and rougher but I told myself I wanted to know if my employee was in any danger within my penthouse.

She hesitated and her fingers curled slightly at her sides, her gaze dropping just for a second before she forced it back up.

“During training my shirt got torn,” she admitted quietly and I studied her every micro-expression and flicker.

She wasn’t lying but she wasn’t telling me everything either and I knew exactly who was involved, Ethan.

My gaze darkened for a split second before I pushed it aside, she was protecting him and that alone made me not to press for future details.

“Elara offered me something to wear,” she continued, her tone steadier now. “But I won’t stay, I was just about to leave.”

She moved then stepping toward the door and to close to me her arm brushed mine, it was just a light touch which was barely anything but it hit like fire.

My entire body reacted instantly my muscles tightening, my breath hitching for the briefest moment and something deep inside me snapped awake and my wolf stirring violently beneath the surface.

I frowned because that shouldn’t have happened.

She paused and slowly… she looked up at me.

Our eyes met and for one suspended moment everything else disappeared and all I saw was her.

Her lips parted slightly, her breathing uneven, her eyes searching mine like she felt it too whatever the hell this was.

This was dangerous and forbidden..

“I’ll… see you later,” she murmured, her voice softer now and breathless.

I forced myself to nod because that was all I trusted myself to do.

She slipped past me quickly after that, like she needed distance just as badly as I did and I let her go but my body didn’t.

My jaw clenched as heat surged low in my gut, sharp and unwelcome. I exhaled slowly, dragging a hand through my hair as I tried to regain control.

This was wrong, she was my son’s in law ex fiance and she was too young and off-limits buu yet my wolf didn’t care not even a little.

Shaking the thought away, I followed her downstairs.

Zara was already near the entrance when I caught up, her posture composed again, like she had locked everything away but I had seen it and I wouldn’t forget.

The front door opened just as she reached it.

Elara stepped inside, her excitement was gone and replaced with something quieter almost disappointed.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, my gaze shifting to her.

She gave a small shrug, though her eyes dimmed slightly.

“The gems look amazing,” she said. “I took pictures and sent them to Kaelan but he’s busy and he won’t be back tonight.”

At the mention of his name, Zara stiffened.

It was subtle but I saw it and something inside me darkened.

Before I could dwell on it, Kaelan appeared, his entire face lighting up the moment he saw Zara.

“Can we keep practicing?” he asked eagerly, ignoring everything else.

Zara softened instantly.

“I have to go home,” she told him gently. “But I’ll be back tomorrow.”

His excitement deflated. “But we didn’t finish…”

She reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “We’ll train longer tomorrow. I promise.”

He looked like he wanted to argue but I stepped in.

“What I’m hearing,” I said slowly, glancing between both of my children, “is that everyone is home tonight.”

They both looked at me curious and hopeful.

“It’s been a while since we had dinner together,” I continued. “I’ll have the kitchen prepare something special.”

Elara’s face brightened and Ethan perked up instantly.

“I’m in,” he said quickly then turned to Zara. “But only if she stays.”

Silence fell again, all eyes shifted to her and I watched, waiting to know her response because for some reason I wanted her to say yes.