Chapter 14
SHANE
-Stories don’t always reflect the truth -he replies, his eyes locked on mine, even as his hands seek support on my waist-. Yes, there is danger in the world of wolves, but there’s also love, loyalty, and protection. What I feel for you carries more weight than any myth.
Despite his closeness, the truth is there’s still an abyss between us. The expectation of what a future together could mean overwhelms me. The question lingers: can falling in love one day neutralize the fear that gnaws at my mind?
Unintentionally, I glance toward the window. In the dim light of the cabin, the forest seems to watch us, silent and vast. The shadows dance like omens, reminding me of the unknown lurking beyond the safety this little cabin is supposed to provide.
-Liam, I have to be honest with you. I can’t just ignore what you are -my voice trembles as I let loose all my emotions, at least the ones strong enough to break the barrier I’ve constructed.
-And I’m not asking you to. But trust that I only want what’s best for you, and that my love for you is not something that will harm you.
She listens intently, feeling how his words sink into her heart. Despite how complicated it seems, a bond begins to form between them, one that could be both a refuge and a challenge. However, the fear persists, pulsing, reminding her that the unknown can be terrifying.
-I promise I will do everything I can to keep you safe -Liam says, his voice trembling with insecurity-. I just need your trust.
Her revelation surprises him, and the need to embrace him intensifies. Still, she must face the chaos this new reality has unleashed within her. She can feel the warmth of his body; despite the discomfort, desire also burns, growing like a raging flame in the midst of the storm.
With a deep sigh, I decide that although fear and uncertainty are present, there is also room for hope. I want to explore this new connection, this love that defies reason. I’m ready to face the unknown, at least for now.
And as his lips seek mine again, I feel that maybe, by allowing myself to be swept away by his caresses, I’m finding refuge in the unknown. But after a moment of intense connection, a wave of exhaustion washes over me.
-Liam, I think I’m a bit tired -I confess, feeling the weight of mental and physical fatigue-. I would like to sleep a little.
He nods in understanding, his expression soft and sweet.
-Take your time. I’ll be here -he replies in a soothing voice.
I settle more comfortably in bed, feeling sleep quickly pull me into a worry-free world. Meanwhile, Liam gently gets up and helps me tuck in, making sure I am comfortable. His hands are warm and firm, and his touch reassures me.
After covering me well, he notices he is naked and gets dressed quickly, searching for something in the disorder of the cabin.
-I’m going to look for something to eat. I won’t be long -he tells me before leaving the room.
With one last glance, he leaves, and I fall into a deep sleep, feeling safe in the warmth of the bed.
(####)
The night passes without me realizing it, and at dawn, the sun’s rays shine brightly through the French windows. The light slowly awakens my senses, and I stretch, feeling the softness of the sheets around me.
As I open my eyes, the fresh morning air fills the room. But Liam is not beside me. A slight worry reminds me of last night; however, I also find comfort in knowing that, somehow, this is just the beginning of something new.
With a sigh, I get out of bed and head toward the window, but upon seeing myself naked, I dash to the bathroom, locking the door before I throw up, as I do every morning… reminding me of what my mother told me. With that thought in mind, I take care of all my needs; from throwing up to showering and searching for my clothes scattered all over the room.
-What an animal! -I hiss, quickly covering my mouth upon realizing what I’ve said, and I look toward the door, waiting for the wolf to come in. I know his senses are very acute, or so I’ve read, and seeing that nothing happens, I relax. Damn, it’s a beast, so I’m not far from the truth.
I return to the bathroom, grab a towel, and wrap myself in it. I exit the room carefully to avoid making noise; I don’t want to run into Liam, not yet. The cabin is quiet, which tells me he’s either not here or not inside. When I reach the living room, I see my purse on the table and my phone next to it. I grab my things and, hopefully, walk toward the front door, extending my hand toward the handle so slowly it feels like a suspense scene. When I turn the knob and it gives way, I send a prayer of thanks to God. I pull the door open and step out into the cold outside. I shiver as I look around; all I see are trees, and the cold is more intense here. With no time to lose, I set off.
I walk down the small hill barefoot, feeling the coolness of the grass on the soles of my feet, the birds singing deep in the woods, and the sense of peace is impossible to avoid. I walk toward Gigit’s small cabin. Remembering him, a rage ignites within me as every piece begins to click into place like a puzzle. He brought me here through nothing but lies, and I understand why he did it; and I don’t know who I’m more upset with, him or Liam, for hiding such a huge and delicate truth from me. I take a deep breath to try to calm myself; at least I know the truth, so I’m going to take it one step at a time. For now, I’m going to look for Marc at the small cabin and then get my bag from Gigit’s car, so I can get dressed; then, I’ll get out of here.
As I get closer, I go around the back of the cabin, and when I’m close enough, I begin to hear… moans? Were those the sounds of someone having sex? I crouch down when I reach the window of the living room from where the moans are coming.