Chapter Nineteen

Ryan’s Pov

After the call from my uncle Elliot, my blood had boiled. Shadowheaven was meant to be secure…a sanctuary where even whispers of betrayal were silenced. Yet, Elliot reported that Micha and Olivia had been caught trying to breach our borders.

No one was holding them hostage, but the thought of them trying to leave in secret didn’t sit well with me.

I had left the office immediately, but the issue resolved itself quicker than anticipated. By the time I arrived, they had already been caught and neutralized. Still, the incident left a sour taste in my mouth. I and Micha were friends but not too close, just the thought of what he did created a little bit of ache in my heart, but I'm not allowed to show it.

With the matter handled, I couldn’t stop myself from thinking of Aurora. I had promised I’d get back to her, and something about the way she looked at me earlier had me restless.

When I arrived at her apartment unannounced, I wasn’t prepared for the sight that greeted me. The small, dimly lit space, the clutter, and Aurora herself, standing there in that oversized shirt, her hair slightly tousled….everything about her tugged at something deep inside me. She was so completely unaware of her effect on me, and it was maddening.

Her reaction when I touched her cheek had been intoxicating. The way her breath hitched, the wide-eyed look she gave me, it made me want more. Too much more.

I hadn’t intended to suggest taking her shopping, but the words left my mouth before I could stop them. I justified it by convincing myself it was practical. She needed better clothes, especially for the trip. But the truth was, I just wanted to be close to her.

When she finally agreed, her quiet “okay” held a note of hesitation that made me want to reassure her.

“I’ll freshen up quickly,” she said, her voice soft as she moved toward what I assumed was the bathroom.

I caught myself before offering to wait outside, but the words came anyway. “Should I step out? Give you some privacy?”

Aurora stopped and turned to face me, shaking her head slightly. “No, it’s fine. I’ll just get ready in the bathroom.”

I nodded, though I knew a part of me didn’t want to leave. The idea of her behind that door, dressing and preparing herself, made my mind wander dangerously. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to focus.

As she disappeared into the bathroom, I took a seat and looked around the small apartment. The place was practically crumbling. How could she live here? The idea of her coming back to this… unsafe, uncomfortable place every day unsettled me.

No. This wasn’t where she belonged.

I stood and wandered over to her bookshelf, running my fingers along the edges of the worn spines. I spotted a small photo tucked to the side, Aurora and what looked like her mother. Her smile in the picture was radiant, full of hope. It stirred something in me, something unfamiliar.

I glanced toward the bathroom door. The sound of water running filled the silence, and I couldn’t help but imagine her standing under the stream, water cascading down her skin.

I exhaled sharply and ran a hand through my hair. Get it together, Ryan.

But no matter how much I tried to fight it, I couldn’t shake the thought. This apartment, this neighborhood wasn't safe for her. It wasn’t where she should be.

Aurora deserved better, and I intended to give her better. Not just because she was my employee or my responsibility, but because she was… mine. Even if she didn’t know it yet.

By the time she emerged, her cheeks were flushed, and her damp hair clung to her shoulders. She looked at me with a mixture of nervousness and determination, and I knew that I was already in too deep.

“Ready?” I asked, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.

She nodded, grabbing her small, worn bag. “Ready.”

But as we stepped out of her apartment, I made a silent vow. Aurora might not know it yet, but I would never let her come back to this place again.

Stepping out of her apartment, I watched as Aurora hesitated for a moment before walking toward my car. She looked so unsure of herself, as if she was waiting for someone to tell her she didn’t belong here. Without thinking, I moved ahead and opened the car door for her.

“Thank you,” she said softly, her voice almost shy.

I nodded, stepping back to let her in before shutting the door behind her. As I slid into my seat, I gave the driver a simple instruction: “Take us to a boutique.”

I turned to Aurora. “Do you know any boutique that might be good?”

She hesitated, her gaze flitting out the window. “I… I’m new in town,” she admitted quietly.

I nodded, taking in the way she seemed to sink into herself. Her shoulders were tense, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag. Something was bothering her, and it didn’t sit well with me.

“Be comfortable,” I said, my tone firmer than I intended.

Aurora’s eyes darted to mine, startled. “I’m fine,” she said quickly, but her voice betrayed her.

I raised an eyebrow, waiting.

“It’s just…” she started, then stopped. She glanced out the window again, and I could see the faint pink tinge creeping up her neck. “It’s weird, you know? Being out like this… with my boss. And the guy who saved me.”

I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “Don’t call me your boss,” I said. “Call me Ryan.”

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Okay… Ryan.”

The way she said my name, soft, hesitant, it made something stir deep inside me. I looked away, focusing on the road ahead, but I couldn’t ignore the way she kept glancing at me. She thought she was being subtle, but I could feel her gaze on me, stealing little looks when she thought I wasn’t paying attention.

I saw it all from the corner of my eye, and my wolf, ever the instigator, started teasing.

Look at her. She’s so close. You can feel her warmth, smell her scent. And yet, you do nothing. Coward.

I clenched my jaw, trying to tune him out, but he was relentless.

She’s yours. You know it. Touch her, claim her.

“Enough,” I growled under my breath.

Aurora turned to me, her brow furrowed. “Is there a problem?”

I shook my head quickly. “No. Nothing.”

The rest of the ride was silent, though the tension in the car was almost suffocating. By the time we arrived at the boutique, I was more than ready to get out and get some air.

We stepped into the boutique, the scent of expensive fabrics and perfume filling the space. A woman approached us almost immediately, her eyes scanning Aurora before dismissing her with a look that made my blood boil.

But when her gaze landed on me, her demeanor shifted completely.

“Oh my God, Mr. Ryan Blackwood!” she gushed, her tone dripping with exaggerated admiration. “It’s such an honor to have you here. I’ve always dreamed of working for your company.”

I ignored her, my focus entirely on Aurora. The way the woman had looked at her, like she was some sort of beggar, was unacceptable.

“Bring out your best clothes,” I said coldly, cutting through her fawning. “Casual, formal, dinner dresses. Everything. I want her to try them all.”

The woman blinked, momentarily thrown off by my tone. “O-Of course, Mr. Blackwood,” she stammered before scurrying off.

Aurora turned to me, her expression a mix of confusion and unease. “I don’t need all that,” she said quietly.

I met her gaze, my voice firm. “You’re getting it anyway.”

She looked like she wanted to argue, but I wasn’t in the mood for debates. This wasn’t just about the trip. This was about her. Aurora deserved the best, and I wasn’t going to settle for anything less.

When the woman returned with an array of clothes, I gestured toward the racks. “Pick what you like,” I told Aurora.

She hesitated, her eyes darting between me and the clothes. “I… I don’t know where to start,” she admitted.

“Then start anywhere,” I said, leaning back against the wall. “Take your time.”

As she moved toward the clothes, I couldn’t help but admire the way she carried herself. Even in her uncertainty, there was something about Aurora that drew me in. Something I couldn’t quite put into words.

But one thing was certain, I wasn’t leaving this boutique until she had everything she needed. Whether she liked it or not.

I leaned against the wall, my arms crossed, watching as Aurora carefully picked through the racks of clothes. There was a tentative way she touched the fabrics, as if she was afraid of ruining something too expensive.

She finally gathered a few items and disappeared into the changing room. I settled into the silence, my eyes wandering around the boutique until they landed on a couple in the corner. They were wrapped up in each other, whispering and laughing, completely unaware of the world around them.

My wolf’s voice intruded, taunting as always.

You wish that was you, huh? With your little one. Admit it.

I ignored him, pushing the thought aside. There were boundaries I couldn’t cross, lines I had to respect. She was… off-limits.

The boutique owner interrupted my thoughts. “Mr. Blackwood,” she said with a polite smile, “Miss Aurora asked if you could come to the side of the dressing room. She’s unsure about one of the dresses.”

I nodded, straightening up. “Alright.”

As I approached the dressing area, I saw Aurora step out hesitantly. She glanced up at me, her cheeks tinged pink.

“I’ve tried so many dresses,” she said, her voice almost a whisper. “I think this one’s nice, but… I’m not sure.”

Then I saw her.