CHAPTER 45

Isla's POV

"What are you doing?" I managed to mumble, confused, feeling something stir deep inside my heart.

Adrian's expression had shifted, softening in a way I had never thought was possible. Unlike his usual harsh and distant touch, it was now gentle. He wiped my tears like he cared about me, his hands lingering too long, even after that. And his eyes narrowed with pain to see me hurt.

And then, I could hear my heart pounding in my ears loudly. My stomach flip-flopped, forming a knot inside my chest. A wave of emotions that I couldn't even explain coursed through me, rampaging through my insides. Everything faded, and all I could focus on was him... his supple lips... his squared jaw...

And the way he looked at me, made my wolf stir inside me, equally drawn to him.

But then he pulled back and I knew better.

He accused me of having feelings for Stefan. How could he after everything that happened between us? How could he after I told him so many times that Stefan was only my friend? But no matter how many times I tell him that, he would never believe me.

And then, again, he blamed me for not caring about Elara's death.

That's when I realized that Adrian wouldn’t back down for me. Not for anyone. His thirst for justice, and his need to avenge Elara’s death, overshadowed everything. Even this bond between us. If it came down to it, for the sake of his sister, he would probably even kill me without blinking his eyes.

The thought was like ice water in my veins, snapping me out of the moment. I pushed him away, my mind racing. I couldn’t let myself get caught up in whatever this was. Not when Stefan needed me.

Without a word, I turned and fled his office, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to find Stefan. I needed answers.

When I arrived at Stefan’s house, the sight of him packing his things hit me hard. Adrian wasn't just threatening me. Stefan was really leaving. The weight of everything felt like it was crushing me.

"Stefan..." I whispered, almost fumbling.

Stefan glanced up, his expression a mix of surprise and resignation. "What are you doing here, Isla?" he asked, his voice softer and tiring than usual.

He looked paler, with dark circles around his eyes. I was sure he hadn't even had one wink of sleep for some time now.

I didn’t answer. What could I even tell him?

So instead, I ran to him and coiled my hands around him. I buried my face in his chest, not wanting him to see how broken I was. For a moment, Stefan was still, even surprised. But then he wrapped his hands around me, holding me close, tightening the hug. I could feel it... that he, too, didn't want to leave me. But he had to.

And then I realized it. Maybe it was better if he left all this madness. I hugged him tighter, almost breaking down. It was the kind of hug that said more than words ever could and showed our comfort, desperation, and goodbye.

"I believe you, Stefan," I whispered, looking up at him. "I swear I will find out the truth," I promised.

Stefan sighed, pulling back just enough to look at me. His eyes were full of sadness and withdrawal, something I hadn’t seen before. "Isla, you need to take care of yourself. This pack... won’t make it easy for you."

"Where are you going?" I asked, my voice shaking. "What will you do?"

He paused, glancing at the few bags he had already packed. "You know how much I want to explore the world. So that's the plan for now," he said quietly. " And maybe if I get lucky, I will find a place where people don’t judge others for something they didn’t do."

I stared at him, my heart feeling heavy with each passing second. "You are really leaving?"

Stefan nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I have to, Isla. There is nothing left for me here."

I shook my head, the thought of losing him unbearable. "Come back... one day?"

Stefan’s smile faded, and he looked at me seriously. "You could come with me, you know." His eyes softened as he continued, "Haven’t you always wanted to leave this place too? We could start over, somewhere new."

For a moment, the idea was tempting. I had dreamed of leaving the pack that had never truly accepted me. But now... now everything was different. Adrian’s face flashed in my mind, and something churned inside me. I couldn't even speak of leaving him despite everything. I couldn’t just walk away, not anymore.

Stefan seemed to notice the change in my expression. To my surprise, he let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "I was right."

"What?" I bit my lips.

"I know you have feelings for Adrian. Just don't know how," he said, his voice tinged with sorrow and maybe regret.

"Stefan!" I didn't know how to deny him.

He laughed, his eyes full of pain. But this wasn't what he really wanted to tell me. I gulped hard, preparing myself for whatever he was about to say. His gaze now was fixed on me with determination and sincerity. "Don’t forget me, Isla. One day, I will definitely come back. And when I do, I hope you will consider me."

He paused for a second, his hands now cupping my cheeks, making me flinch. His eyes flickered with too many unreadable emotions that I couldn't even understand. But they made me uncomfortable. Before I could pull away or stop him, he continued with the same determination and sincerity. "I don’t want to just be your friend, Isla. And from a very long time."

His words left me stunned, my heart pounding in confusion. Stefan had always been my rock, my closest friend. But this... I had never imagined he felt that way about me. Not even in my wildest dreams.

Before I could even process his confession and decide how to respond, the door flew open with a crash. I gasped in shock, my hands trembling in fear when I saw Adrian storm inside, his eyes wild with rage.

"Adrian!" I stuttered.

But without any warning, Adrian lurched at Stefan, his eyes red with rage. His fist landed on Stefan’s jaw with a sickening thud. Stefan stumbled back, clutching his face in shock as Adrian stood over him. Blood oozed out of Stefan's lips, as he breathed heavily, his fists clenched.

"Adrian, stop!" I screamed, rushing to get between them. But Adrian was too far gone, his eyes burning with a jealous fury that I had never seen before.