Jealousy

Chapter Six : Jealousy

Ravina’s POV

I sat by the window, staring into the darkening sky. The moon was half-full, casting a soft glow over the packhouse in the distance. The night air was cool, but I felt restless, my skin warm with unease.

I wasn’t even sure why I was here, sitting like this, watching, waiting. But my eyes kept drifting toward the packhouse, toward him.

Then I saw him.

Alaric.

He walked past with a woman beside him.

Something sharp twisted in my chest. I straightened, my eyes narrowing as I took in the sight before me.

She was beautiful—too beautiful. Her long, flowing hair shined under the moonlight, and the way she moved… so confident, so familiar with him.

I tried to shake it off.

It’s nothing, Ravina, I told myself. He’s the Alpha of his pack, of course, people will come to see him.

But something about the way they walked together—so close, so comfortable—bothered me. And then I saw what she was wearing.

A deep red dress, fitted to her curves, elegant yet bold.

My throat tightened. Why did she have to dress like that? Why did it feel like she was trying to impress him?

I shook my head, tearing my gaze away.

I didn’t care. I shouldn’t care.

But before I could stop myself, my eyes flickered back to them.

They reached Alaric’s room. He opened the door, and she stepped inside. He followed, closing the door behind them.

Minutes passed.

They didn’t come out.

I tried to focus on something else. Anything else.

I picked up a book, but the words blurred together.

I paced the room, but every step felt heavy.

My wolf was unsettled.

It’s been too long.

One minute.

Five minutes.

Ten.

Still nothing.

I swallowed hard.

Maybe they’re just talking.

Thirty minutes.

My hands curled into fists.

Why is she still in there?

An hour.

I was on my feet before I even realized it.

The next thing I knew, I was out of the guest house, my legs carrying me toward the packhouse, my pulse pounding in my ears.

I didn’t think. I didn’t stop.

I just went.

At the Packhouse

I reached Alaric’s door and knocked.

Hard.

No answer.

I knocked again, this time louder.

Footsteps.

The door opened, and there she was.

Standing right there.

Across from Alaric.

Her scent hit me first. A soft floral scent, mixed with something… sweeter. Familiar. It clung to the room, like she had been there for a long time.

Too long.

I looked past her, my gaze locking onto Alaric. He stood there, arms crossed, a knowing look in his eyes.

I forced myself to breathe.

“I need to speak with you,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. “It’s important.”

Alaric didn’t move. Didn’t react.

Then, slowly, a smirk tugged at his lips.

He knew.

He knew I was lying.

The woman glanced between us, then turned to him. “I should go,” she said softly.

Alaric gave a small nod.

I stepped aside as she walked past me.

I refused to look at her.

The moment the door closed behind her, Alaric leaned against the desk, watching me like a predator who had caught his prey.

“So,” he said, “what’s so important?”

I opened my mouth—then froze.

What was I even going to say?

I had no reason to be here.

I had no excuse.

I clenched my fists. “What was she doing in your room for an hour?”

Alaric raised an eyebrow, then chuckled—a deep, amused sound that made my skin prickle.

“Are you jealous?” he asked.

My body went rigid.

“No,” I snapped, too quickly.

He smirked. “You sure?”

I swallowed. My wolf stirred inside me, restless.

I wasn’t jealous. I couldn’t be.

I didn’t even like him.

Right?

“No,” I repeated, but my voice was weaker this time.

Alaric stepped closer, his smirk deepening. His scent—woodsy and warm, mixed with something darker—wrapped around me, making it hard to focus.

“Then why are you here?” he asked, tilting his head. “Why do you care who’s in my room?”

I clenched my jaw. “I don’t care,” I lied.

His eyes darkened, flashing with something dangerous. “Liar.”

I took a step back, but he moved faster, closing the space between us. His fingers brushed my wrist, sending a shiver up my arm.

My wolf stirred, restless.

“Tell me,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “Why does it bother you?”

I tried to pull away, but my traitorous body wouldn’t move. My heart pounded against my ribs, and I hated that he could hear it.

“Ravina,” he said, softer this time.

I looked up, and that was my mistake.

His eyes—deep, unreadable—held me in place. There was no amusement in them anymore. Only heat.

Before I could think, before I could stop myself—

His lips crashed against mine.

I gasped, my body tensing. His hands slid to my waist, firm and demanding, pulling me closer.

I should push him away.

I should.

But instead—

I melted.

The kiss was fire, spreading through me, burning away my resistance. His mouth was rough, hungry, tasting me like he had been waiting for this.

A small sound escaped me—betraying how much I liked it.

His grip tightened. His body pressed against mine, and I felt the raw strength beneath his skin.

I clutched his shirt, gripping it like it was the only thing keeping me upright.

My wolf purred inside me.

He deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing mine, sending another wave of heat crashing through me.

I should stop.

I should pull away.

But I didn’t.

I couldn’t.

Instead, I kissed him back, letting my anger, my jealousy, my confusion bleed into the way my lips moved against his.

I wanted to hate him.

But right now, I wanted him more.