Chapter Thirteen

Aegis's Point Of View

The heat of the fire barely got to me, as I stood crossing my hand across my chest. I shook my head at a pesky mosquito intent of singing to me as I looked over the entire thing from my chosen corner.Soft humming of voices and the occasional sound of happy laughter filled the air as the evening blue and yellow flamed fire burned steadily at the center of the clearing The Pack Bonfire was here again. 

They were having so much fun together and it made me feel a bit jealous but had always been more comfortable on the outskirts, observing them rather than participating.

The only difference tonight was that my mind felt more clouded than usual. With thoughts of Alpha Elijah. That man was confusing me. From the way he looked at me to the lingering touches he left on my skin, to the way he was able to make my heart jump when I least expected it. I knew couldn’t let anything happen between us. He was an Alpha- a goodlooking one but one regardless and I was simple old me. I just couldn’t.

Oh but my body really wanted to. Even my wolf didn’t mind the idea of being possessed by that tall drink of a werewolf. That man was too goodlooking for his own good.

Speaking of the devil, I saw Alpha Elijah’s eyes search through the crowd and finally settle on me. The shadow of his ripped large body danced on the fire illuminated floor as he made his way to me. I braced myself at the determined look on his face. Even from across the clearing, I could feel his magnetic presence. I look around desperately and tried to think of an excuse to avoid him..

I didn’t find any.

His deep voice sent a shiver down my spine, “Aegis.” 

Keeping my gaze forward, I stiffened at my body’s reaction . My entire body vibrated with every step he took closer . What is wrong with me?

I snuck a look at him and my heart sank. The smirk on his face assure that he was aware of the effect he had on me. Jerkface

“Alpha Elijah.” I said keeping my voice steady..

“You know I’ve noticed something. You're always standing at a corner. Hiding,” he observed, his tone serious. “Like right now.”

“I like it here,” I replied keeping my gaze on the fire. His presence was making my brain dumb. “It’s quieter.”

He allowed the silence stretch for another minute before he spoke up again. “The pack is not the only thing you’re avoiding.”

My heart kicked away in my chest at the implication of his words. I can’t do this right now. I turned to look at him and sure enough he had a triumphant smile on his face. His intense eyes reflected the flames like molten gold. I want those eyes to reflect on my body. What th…..?. What is wrong with me?

“Alpha Elijah, please don’t,” I warned, my voice barely above a whisper.

But he wasn’t deterred. His gaze softened as it lingered on mine, and the playfulness in his words was gone. He reached for me then, his hand brushed my arm, slowly,deliberately. The touch was so simple and yet so electric.

“I’ve told you several times Aegis. My name is Elijah. Come on Beautiful, Try it”.

My face reddened and I quickly turned my face quickly towards the fire to hide it. But there was no hiding from Elijah.

He turned my face to his slowly with a wolfish smile spread across his face. “Don’t hide from me Beautiful”. But I still couldn’t meet his gaze. “Come on, show me that gorgeous blush”.

“Please let go .This is really embarrassing.Everyone can see us”

“Let them” he replied and I knew he meant it.

“I can’t stop thinking about you,” he said in a low voice. “I’ve tried. But every time I’m near you… every time I’m near those gorgeous blue orbs… I really want to kiss those beautiful lips of yours..”

There it was,the undeniably heavy words hanging between us.We had both being dancig round it for the past month d he just came out and said it

I desperately wanted to melt into the huge pine-cone tree behind me. I was a blushing mess and a soon to be a stuttering one. What do I do now?

I took a step back putting some space between us. The air around me felt colder without his touch but i forced herself to hold my ground. I clld’t afford to be weak now. It’s barely been eight months since Elias rejected me. What would people say?.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said and despite my attempt to sound firm my voice trembled.

“I know exactly what I’m saying.” His gaze didn’t move and there was no doubt in his eyes.

“No,” i shook my head wildly. “I can’t… I can’t do this, Elijah.”

“Why not?” He took another step toward me, closing the distance I'd just created. “Tell me why.”

An oddly familiar ache rose to my throat at this new proximity.

“I’m a rejected wolf Alpha Elijah,”I blurted out. 

His expression shifted, his eyes narrowing with a mix of anger and frustration. “He was a fool for rejecting you.”

I looked away, unable to meet his gaze. “That doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change anything.”

“Yes it does. It changes everything,”his firm voice lowered with an unexpected gentleness. “You deserved so much better than that idiot”

“It doesn’t matter what I deserved,” I replied bitterly. The wound was still fresh . “I still can’t do this.”

He didn’t speak for a moment, and when i finally glanced up at him, i saw something in his eyes that made my chest tighten even more—understanding. He didn’t pity me.

“I’m not him Aegis,” Elijah said quietly. “You know I would never hurt you like that.”

My throat constricted at his words. I wanted to believe him, I really wanted to.I wanted to let go of the pain that clung to my insides, but it wasn’t that simple. I can’t do this.

We were interrupted by a group of pack members approaching us . I couldn’t have been more grateful. I stepped back even though her heart still raced from Elijah’s words.

One of the pack members, a young woman named Kira, waved at Aegis. “Hey, Aegis, come join us! We’re about to start the games.”

Still holding Elijah’s gaze I forced a small smile. “Maybe later,”I answered keeping my voice steady, M emotions were anything but stable.

Kira shrugged and turned to Elijah, who had returned back into his usual uneadable Alpha demeanor.

The group soon dispersed and I took that as an opportunity to leave, hoping to escape the turmoil inside me, but Elijah’s hand gently held me in place.

“Aegis,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper now. “Just… think about it. I know you’re hurting, but I’m not him. I’ll never be him.”

My eyes met his and for a moment i saw the depth of his words. He meant it.

“I need time,” i said, my voice breaking slightly as i tugged my wrist out of his hold. “I’m not ready.”

Elijah’s jaw clenched but he nodded, his expression softening. “I’ll wait.”

The words were simple, but they carried a weight that followed me to bed that night. I turned and walked away from him.And he let me.

 The laughter and chatter of the pack faded into the background replaced by the pounding of my heart and the confusion swirling around on the inside me. I wasn’t ready—i don’t think i would ever be ready. But Elijah’s words sparked something inside me, something I couldn’t ignore.

I found little Cece sat by the fire giggling with a group of children. One of the boys signed something clumsily but excitedly making Emma’s eyes light up with joy.

The sight made me smile, their childhood innocence is a welcome distraction from the weight of my emotions. But even that distraction didn’t last.

Elijah’s words echoed in my mind, softly and persistent.

“I’ll wait.”

Why are men so tall and confusing?