Chapter 6

Chapter 6

I couldn't help but squint my eyes as I felt the sun's rays hitting my face.

My visions were still a bit blurry, but I could make out the silhouette of a man standing on the balcony. Bench models must be jealous. He looks like a Greek god in the flesh. His back was leaning against the railing, and his muscular arms were folded across his chest.

I forced myself to sit up, but the moment I tried to prop my arm against the bed, a searing pain shot through my body. I bit my lower lip as I stared at my bandaged arm.

Then it all came rushing back—the lycans, Hank and Baron, the two alphas... Levi.

I glanced back at the man standing on the balcony. His black hair was slightly messy, and he was wearing a blue v-neck shirt and black jogging pants.

My vision slowly started to clear. I met his piercing gaze—dark blue eyes that seemed to look right through me. His jaw clenched as he studied me, his brow furrowed, as if lost in thought.

"What you did was suicide..." he said seriously, then began to step closer.

I lowered my gaze to my knees, unable to bear his intense stare. There was something in those eyes that made my chest ache.

That’s when I noticed what I was wearing—a cream nightgown—far from the jeans and black blouse I had been wearing before losing consciousness. My face flushed with embarrassment. No, please, God, no...

I felt the bed sink beside me. He sat down, brushing a few strands of hair from my face. My cheeks grew even hotter as his finger lightly touched my skin. It felt like electricity, but I didn’t like it.

His fingers trailed down my jaw, gently lifting my face so I had no choice but to meet his gaze.

I swallowed hard as our eyes locked again. His penetrating blue eyes were intimidating, as though it was a sin to look into them.

"I... I’m sorry about Baron and Hank... I didn’t want to put them in danger." My voice wavered, and I quickly averted my gaze again, but he lifted my chin once more.

"And?" His voice was low, almost expectant. His brow raised slightly.

I cleared my throat, tightening my grip on the blanket for courage. "S-sorry about what I did... I almost declared a war." I bit my lower lip again.

He chuckled softly, releasing my chin. "You would’ve declared war. And none of them will be left breathing if they touch you again."

His words hit me hard. I lifted my gaze to him, and he was smiling playfully now. My lips parted slightly in shock. It was a good thing the sun was shining brightly, keeping his attention away from me.

The heat in my face returned. I cleared my throat and looked away again.

"W-why did you ask Baron and Hank to follow me? Why did you follow me?" I asked, my voice timid.

For a moment, he didn’t respond. Then, with a soft sigh, he exhaled.

"Because you’re too stubborn to agree with my deal," he said in a low tone.

From the corner of my eye, I saw his gaze fall on me again, sadness reflecting in his blue eyes. "Too blindly in love with him..."

Another deep sigh escaped him before he stood. I watched as he walked toward the open door, his back turned to me.

It felt like something was twisting inside me, a sudden sharp pain. I didn’t know why, but I stood and followed him. Something was pulling me toward him.

His shoulders tensed as he felt my footsteps approach. A moment later, he turned and, in an instant, was right in front of me.

His eyes were closed, his forehead resting against my head. I couldn’t breathe properly due to the closeness. It was suffocating in a strangely romantic way.

"Every path, every choice, every road... all leads back to you," he murmured. His warm breath sent shivers down my spine.

I felt as if I was losing control. I wanted to ask questions, but when I opened my mouth, no words came out.

I felt his arms wrap around my waist slowly.

This is so wrong...

A part of my mind whispered, but I couldn’t think clearly anymore. My sanity seemed to slip away with each passing second.

His face lowered until his lips brushed mine. Before I could react, he kissed me—a kiss that felt like heaven but shut down all my senses.

All I could do was close my eyes and savor the sweetness of his lips.

He gave me something I’d regret forever, yet I couldn’t bring myself to push him away. It felt so wrong, but at the same time, it felt so good.

We gasped for breath as the sinful kiss broke. Our eyes remained closed, and our bodies remained close.

"What is it about you that draws me to you even more?" His voice was low and husky. I just shook my head, overwhelmed. That was exactly the question I wanted to ask myself.

He cupped my chin, tilting my head up so I had no choice but to meet his gaze. I opened my eyes slowly, meeting his piercing blue eyes, full of questions.

"Is it really that hard for you to end up with me?" His voice carried a hint of sadness.

I furrowed my brow slightly, as if his kiss had returned my sense of reality.

I took a step back, turning away from him. I wanted to slam my head into the wall. What an idiot! Zero self-control, Tracy! You’re engaged, for God’s sake!

"I... I shouldn’t have let you do that," I muttered.

I felt him take a step closer, his firm chest pressing against my back.

"Really? Why don’t you look into my eyes and tell me you didn’t like it?" he whispered in my ear.

I bit my lower lip, trying to calm myself. Come on, Tracy. Remember why you came to Brenthal in the first place, why you met him.

"I asked for your help before, but what did you do? You played with me." I said firmly, still not turning to face him.

He released a deep sigh, then, after a moment, I felt him take a step back.

I faced him again as he stood by the door, his hand on the doorknob, ready to leave when I spoke once more.

"Please, I just want Rouge to get better... That’s all I’m asking." My eyes began to burn, and I struggled to calm myself, keeping my gaze on his back.

He let out another heavy sigh, remaining turned away from me. Even though I couldn’t see his expression, I could feel the seriousness of his presence.

"Don’t ask me things you might regret someday... Some people, no matter how important they are to us, are not worth saving," he said meaningfully before stepping out.

As I sat down on the cold marble floor, the tears began to fall.