I felt it-that sensation. A part of me craved a man’s touch, like the way Declan was holding me now. His lips brushed against mine softly, warm and reassuring. I couldn’t resist him, even though my mind warned me of a heart I needed to protect.
No matter how much I tried to restrain myself, the wall I’d built around me started to crumble with Declan’s patient presence. He only kissed me, never asking for more, and I found myself willing to give in. My mind wanted to keep kissing him, nonstop, until I was out of breath.
I felt Declan’s fingers gently wipe the wetness from my lips. As he touched my cheek, I instinctively leaned into his hand, basking in the warmth, as if I’d finally found the protection I’d longed for.
“I’ve loved you since the second you came back into my life. I had doubts because of your ties with Melucci, but for the past five years, I’ve watched over you, hoping to guard your heart from hurt after you separated from him.”
“I… don’t know what to say. Just let things be for now. I still need time to open my heart to you, Declan.”
Declan’s embrace grew tighter. I could feel his fingers gently stroking my hair. Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching, and I pulled away from Declan quickly.
Trisha was there, holding two shopping bags. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene and quickly turned around as I stepped away from Declan.
[I’m sorry, Luna. I didn’t mean to see anything.]
“It’s alright. We were just talking.”
I’d forgotten that, as werewolves, we often communicated through mind link. Whether due to my nerves or the moment, I found myself speaking as if we were just regular humans. Declan watched us, his gaze shifting back and forth with a raised eyebrow.
Rather than let him keep staring at me and make me more uncomfortable, I took one of the bags from Trisha, unpacking the groceries into the fridge and cabinet. Relief washed over me as I noticed Declan was also distracted, helping Trisha unload the other bag.
“Could you read a story to the twins while I finish up here? I’ll join them in their room shortly.”
Trisha nodded and left, leaving Declan and me alone in the kitchen, struggling to find space for the extra supplies. Trisha had bought way too many nuts and spreads, probably stocking up for Care and Mia, who loved hazelnut.
“So, about earlier…” Declan’s voice brought me back, but I kept my expression neutral. I’d told him I’d try to open up to him, hoping it would help heal my heart from the constant ache.
Declan said goodbye a few minutes later, a smile lighting his face as he gave me a brief, warm kiss. I smiled back, feeling my response become almost automatic in his presence. Somehow, his warmth was slowly thawing my heart.
The day before our holiday, I was sorting through the cafe’s financial reports and noticed the expenses had spiked last week. I reviewed the spending records from the marketing team and noticed the high fees for social media talent-higher than seemed necessary. I called the marketing manager to get an explanation.
“Mr. Lowrey, don’t you think this is a bit high for a one-week talent fee?”
“You’re right, Ms. Anderson. These influencers are popular right now, which drove up their asking price. But you can see that our product’s popularity with young adults is steadily growing. Although the increase isn’t huge, it’s stable.”
I accepted his explanation, noting that some of the menu items were indeed seeing steady sales. It was a gradual rise, unlike the usual spikes and declines I was used to. With Andrew Lowrey being five years my senior and experienced in his field, I trusted his judgment.
Then, I heard a knock on my office door. Andrew excused himself, and in came one of the waitresses, Cynthia, her short shaggy hair framing her face. She looked nervous, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
“Yes, Cynthia?”
“There’s a man here to see you, Ms. Anderson. He’s very handsome… but intimidating. Sorry, but he said he wouldn’t leave until you met with him.”
“I’ll see him. You can return to work.”
I wondered who would be so insistent about seeing me at this hour. If it were Declan, he’d have come straight to my office, and the cafe staff knew him well. I had no clue who it could be, but curiosity drew me toward the front of the cafe.
Once I stepped outside, I saw a man sitting with his back to me. His copper-brown hair was sleek and neat, sparking an odd feeling that made my heart race. Pushing away any wild guesses, I walked over to him.
As soon as I saw him, it was as if the world tilted off its axis, freezing me in place. My feet felt glued to the floor, and each small breath I took was shaky. Why did it pulling me back into memories I’d tried so hard to bury?
“Hello, sweet pea,” he said softly, in that smooth, achingly familiar voice that could slip past every wall I’d ever put up. The nickname-something I thought I’d long forgotten.
I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. “What… what are you doing here?”
“To take you back, of course.” His words hung heavy in the air, tearing open memories and feelings I’d tried to abandon. How could he say it so casually, as if he hadn’t been part of what shattered me?
“Are you insane?” I breathed, a surge of anger rising. “You know I-”
“Still love us.”
“Don’t interrupt me.” My voice wavered but grew stronger, loud enough that a few patrons turned to stare. I was fighting against every part of myself that wanted to look away, to run from this moment. But his gaze held me captive, fierce and unyielding, like he could see every inch of my soul.
“Sit down. Let’s talk,” his voice calm yet firm, compelling in a way that felt impossible to resist. “Or we can go somewhere more private.”
His piercing gaze left me powerless to do anything but comply. The bond-we hadn’t severed it, nor had Pollux or Castor. I sat across from Pollux, interlocking my fingers as a nervous sweat broke out.
Honestly, I was taken aback by Pollux’s appearance. He looked so different now, like a mirror image of Castor, dressed sharply and with a haircut that made them almost identical. I shook off the thought, annoyed at myself for being momentarily spellbound.
“What do you want to discuss, Alpha Pollux?”
My heart raced. A hundred words and phrases from the past five years ran through my mind, conjuring memories of what made me leave them. But, in my deepest heart, there was a small part that hoped for something else-something that could set things right.