Chapter 14 14
Odette's Pov
Warm breath brushed the top of my head before I even opened my eyes.
For a moment I thought I was dreaming but as soon as I looked up, I saw him.
Aaron's arm was curled protectively around my waist, holding me close.
He was beautiful with his dark hair and flawless skin, and those lashes were long and mesmerizing. How could a man be so beautiful? If he were a woman, Alpha Roman would've definitely made him his mistress.
He looked so peaceful.
I laid there studying him as if I'd never seen him before. Maybe I hadn't. Not like this.
Slowly, without thinking, my fingers rose to his face.
Lord, he was beautiful.
Just looking at him made my heart race.
I let my fingers slide towards the left side where the long, jagged scar ran from his temple to his cheek. I hesitated at first then touched it gently.
The skin there felt rough and slightly uneven. My heart ached as I watched it, wondering how much pain he had gone through to earn that wound
But before I could breathe another thought, his eyes opened.
I froze instantly and tried pulling my hand back but he caught it, his chest rumbling with laughter.
“You can touch me however you like,” he murmured softly.
I nearly died from embarrassment.
He smirked at my shyness then glanced at my hand resting on his scar. “It's alright. Go on.”
I swallowed and lifted my fingers, tracing the mark slowly this time. “Does it hurt?”
He shook his head. “It doesn't. Not when you touch it.”
My heart skipped eight beats at once as I stroked the scar softly, craving to touch him more, kiss him and hold him.
Then I studied the scar again. “ But how… how did you get this?”
He shifted his gaze to the ceiling for a moment. “It's a long story.”
“I can wait.”
When he didn't say anything, I sighed.
“I understand.” I mumbled and turned away.
“You're leaving?” He asked, startled.
I blinked. “N - No. I was only…”
He pulled me back into his arms. “Fine. I'll tell you.”
His lips twitched and then, with a heavy sigh, he began.
“I was a beautiful boy once or so my mother said,” he said quietly. “My mother adored me but my brothers? Their mothers were never around so… they hated the attention I got. They hated that she loved me.”
My eyes have never gotten so wide. Why would they hate him because his mother loved him?
Aaron continued. “One night, on my 10th birthday, they decided they didn't want me to be beautiful anymore. So they… pinned me down and …”
“And?” I was dying to know what happened.
He looked down at me, his arm tightening around me. “You don't have to know what happened, Odette.”
“I want to. Tell me, please.”
Aaron swallowed hard before he finally said it. “My brothers pinned me down and… shoved my face into a burning pit.”
My blood froze. “What?”
His head snapped down towards me and his eyes widened. “Odette, don't cry.”
I didn't even notice the tears spilling down my cheeks. But that wasn't important right now. What was more important was him.
“How could they do that to you?” I felt my voice rising. “That was beyond cruel. That was …”
“...all in the past.” He reached for me, brushing my tears with the pads of his thumb.
“But it should've never happened to you…” my voice cracked. “It should've never…”
He sighed and pulled me tight against his chest.
“Everything will be fine.” He murmured against my hair, holding me like I was the one who had been pushed in the fire and not him.”
We stayed like that for a moment before he pulled back slightly. Then slowly, his eyes drifted down to my lips.
I met his gaze and knew exactly what he wanted. And I bet he knew exactly what I wanted.
Just as he leaned in, the door burst open.
“Alpha Aaron—” Clarisse stopped dead in her tracks. “Forgive me. I'll come back later.”
My cheeks heated up for heaven knows how many times today.
“I… you can come in,” I said quickly, scrambling away from Aaron's arms.
He laughed softly behind me. “Hey, why are you running?”
“Get away from me,” I said playfully as I ran to the bathroom.
Clarisse giggled as she entered. “Good morning, my lord and lady. I believe it's time for breakfast.”
“Good. I'm famished,” he said, stretching his magnificent body in a way that made my stomach flip.
“Lady Odette, I'll help you with your bath.” Clarrise said, moving to where I stood.
“Don't worry,” Aaron's voice cut through the air.
“And why shouldn't she?” I blinked, confused.
“Because I'll be bathing you myself, wife.” He smirked.
“Nooooo!”
Despite my protests, Aaron won. Of course he did, that shameless man. I'd never let anyone but Clarisse bathe me. I don't like it when the other maids do that's why Clarisse is the only one that gets to bathe and dress me but for some reason, I wanted Aaron to touch me.
I let him wash my arms, my legs till my entire body felt like it was on fire. I couldn't tell if it was the water or his touch that lighted my body.
While rinsing my hair, he casually asked. “Do you think a black jacket would suit me?”
Was that even a question? He would look good in anything.
He chuckled and smiled. “So?”
I narrowed my eyes at him for laughing before nodding. “Yup. Of course it would.”
He grinned then leaned in to give me a quick kiss. “You're absolutely right. Clarrise!”
As if on cue, Clarisse stepped into the bathroom with a white towel and she wouldn't stop smiling.
I blinked. “Why are you smiling?”
“You're flirting with your husband.” She gave me a light nudge and I giggled.
“What … I was only being honest. I told him he'll look in black. In fact, he'll look good in anything.”
A few minutes later, I came out wearing the red gown Clarisse had picked for me. The gem-studded dress hugged my waist and flowed to the floor.
Aaron turned and he just … stared.
“Aaron?” I asked softly when he didn't blink.
He walked towards me like a man trapped under a spell.
“You look…” He shook his head slowly, eyes drinking me in. “Beautiful.”
He reca he out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers brushed the side of my face, gentle and warm. I couldn't stop the shy giggle that escaped me.
Just then, Clarisse appeared. “Breakfast is served.”
Aaron extended his arm towards me, smiling. “Shall we?”
I smiled and placed my hand on his forearm, letting him guide me downstairs.
The whispers began the second we stepped into the dining hall.
I stiffened a little, feeling heat rising to my cheeks. Maybe they don't like me.
Aaron leaned in and whispered behind my ear. “They like you.”
I froze. Wait, how did he —
“Even if they didn't…” he placed his hand over mine and brought it to his lips. “I'll make sure they do.”
My heart fluttered. Why did that sound both threatening and romantic?
“Come on,” he led me to the table and pulled out a chair for me like a gentleman.
As if that wasn't enough, he served me food himself and even poured my drink.
I was certain my face was red the entire time.
When I finally began to eat, I looked up and saw him watching me.
“Are you… not eating?” I asked.
“I'm fine watching you.” He smiled.
I nearly choked. I reached for my water, needing something to calm my burning cheeks.
At that moment, Caesar stepped in. He froze when he saw us, specifically Aaron watching me like I was the only thing that existed in the room. Then he leaned down to whisper something in Aaron's ear.
Aaron's face darkened instantly. Then he waved Caesar away.
Caesar bowed and left quickly.
I lowered my fork and asked out of curiosity. “What was that about?”
Aaron's jaw tightened. “Nothing.”
“It didn't look like nothing.”
He sighed then rolled his eyes. “It's about the annual Mating Ceremony the BlueMoon Pack was hosting. I was invited.”
My eyes lit up. “A ceremony? I've never been to one before.”
He gave me one sharp look. “I'm not going.”
“What?” I murmured. “But why?”
He didn't answer. Instead, he pushed back his chair and walked away.
My heart sank.
Something was definitely wrong.