Elena’s POV.
I rushed back to the house, Hurricane of emotions swirling through me.
I couldn’t believe I suffered such cruel faith for a beef that I know absolutely nothing about.
Within the thousands of thoughts running through my head, was a more disturbing piece. The lycan.
Could it be Aragorn? Could he be using me to strike back at Killian?
How cruel can he be? He wasn’t satisfied with the hell that he put me through? Now he is making me go through more pain.
“Everyone is on edge because it’s certain that he’s going to strike back shortly.” Kaitlyn’s words resounded in my head.
It has to be Aragorn from all indications. Of course, he has struck back and I am the secret weapon he was using.
There seem to be so many complications lurking around and it pains me that I had to be dragged into it.
Everything keeps getting tangled by the day. If only I wasn’t dragged into this mess. I would be living happily with my family back at Greenwoods Pack with no inconveniences whatsoever.
My mind wandered to my kids and a stream of tears rolled down my cheeks. It hurts more knowing that their faith lies in my hands. The more I delayed the mission, the more the suffered in the hands of Aragorn. I have never felt so much pain in my life, not even during my banishment. This was way more excruciating being that innocent kids were suffering for its course.
I laid on the floor, sobbing bitterly until a strong wave of sleep washed over me.
*
I woke up to find myself still on the floor. It was getting dark outside already and it suddenly hit me. Killian had requested that I follow him somewhere tonight.
I slowly rose to my feet and dragged my weak body into the bathroom.
As I wore my dress, I deliberately left the blade behind but I had the poison perfectly secured in a tiny pocket of my gown just in case an opportunity presented itself. It seemed to be the most perfect material for the task.
Following how attentive Killian usually was, using the blade might be a little dangerous. I couldn’t be more grateful to Helen for being so thoughtful.
Though the zeal to kill Killian was beginning to feel a bit questionable to me, I still hoped that an opportunity would present itself where I have to do it with a closed eye and get the fuss over with even if it’s against my will.
For the sake of my kids. They deserved a chance at freedom and happiness.
Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door.
My wolf instantly kicked active indicating that Killian had arrived.
Exhaling a deep breath, I walked towards the door and pulled it open.
There he stood by my doorstep looking as charming as ever despite being clad casually in a night robe.
“You look amazing, Elena.” He breathed out, his hot gaze lingering over my body.
“Thanks.” That was all I could mutter as I stood before him, attentively fighting my feelings. I should hate this man and not be mesmerized by every move of his body.
“Shall we?” He stretched forth his hand towards me. I dragged my gaze from his hand to his face in confusion, not making any attempt to take his hand.
“C’mon love, I’m not going to hurt you, trust me.”
I breathed in, slowly raising my hands to place on his. An instant blitz of electric rush surged through me as our hands came in contact.
This can’t be happening. I have to find a way to overcome these feelings.
The cool evening breeze whooshed over us as he surprisingly led us into the woods.
“Uhm… Where are we going?” I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I was beginning to panic inwardly.
“We are almost there, trust me.” His grip on me tightened firmly. He squeezed my hand gently as if trying to reassure me of my safety.
A sharp gasp escaped my lips as my gaze landed on the sight in front of me.
We were standing right in front of a small river surrounded by beautiful flowers, at the shore, a bench was constructed with wood.
The sound of birds chirping and the cool breeze from the trees around completed the amazing view.
“Over the past years, I always ran through the woods to relieve the torture of losing you, I stumbled on this amazing spot and it has been my best place ever since,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful view,” I mumbled, trying not to act too excited.
“So, do you want to go for a swim? I promise you, it’s amazing.”
“Uhm… I don’t think I want that. You can go ahead though.”
He shrugged and began to strip off his clothes right before me. I swallowed hard as I watched him grab the hem of his shirt and pulled it off, revealing his perfectly sculpted abs, I was strongly resisting the urge to run my fingers through them, though my wolf, Narla, wasn’t making it easier for me as she kicked in excitement.
Now left in his shorts, Killian raced down to the small river, leaping up into the air, and jumped in.
“You are missing out on a whole fun, I promise you.” He screamed, swimming around excitedly.
I continued watching him with zero intention to join him in the water.
“Let’s take a dip!” Narla whispered.
“Narla, don’t even think of it.” I quickly snapped at her. She has been really acting weird since we got here.
Suddenly, I felt my legs move on its accord, towards the river. Narla was in action and I couldn’t control it.
“Narla, stop, we don’t need this,” I tried to control her but it seemed she was out of control already.
“A change of mind, I presume?” Killian flashed me a warm smile.
I didn’t utter a word, instead, I grabbed the tip of my dress and pulled it off my head, leaving me only with my underwear.
I could feel his gaze piercing into my skin as I walked towards the river brink, dipping my legs on the water and lowered myself on the edge.
The feeling of the cold water against my skin was absolutely awesome, it sent a relaxing sensation through my body.
My eyes squeezed shut, totally enjoying the ecstasy as a low involuntary moan escaped my lips.
I almost jumped out of my skin as I felt a strong pair of hands sneak around my waist. “Relax baby, it’s me. I mean no harm.”
I quickly flickered my eyes open to see Killian standing dangerously close to me, and slowly, he lifted me off the edge and lowered me into the water, next to him. Our bare skin rubbed against each other, sparking fire within me.
“Uhm… I’m gonna take a dip.” I quickly struggled out of his arms and dived deep into the water.
I deliberately stayed longer under the water before poking my head up, but surprisingly, Killian was nowhere around.
“Killian?” I called out to him, my head snapping around in different directions in search of him.
“Killian!” I was beginning to panic now.
“Killian!” I screamed at the top of my voice, my heart beating fast against my chest.
Almost immediately, he swam up from the water, a few inches away from me, he had a wide smile smeared all over his face.
“Killian what the hell! You scared me!” I yelled, anger laced in my voice.
“I’m sorry, I was just playing with you.” He quickly swam over to me.
“That was really scary,” I whimpered, tears were beginning to well up in my eyes.
He leaned forward and pulled me into his arms. “I didn’t mean to scare you, I’m sorry.” He whispered.
It took me a few seconds to calm down and he pulled away from the hug shortly afterward, though our bodies still rubbed together, sparkles of emotions swirling through me.
He edged his hand on my jaw, tilting my head up to stare into his eyes, and slowly he leaned down and captured my lips in a gentle kiss.