CHAPTER 5
1100 Words
I raise my head and look into Henrik's eyes. I can't fully explain the sadness, regret, or something deeper in his eyes.
"I have more to explain," he says quietly. "However, it can wait till tomorrow."
I nod, but then I feel sick to my stomach. My heart is pounding because of the clock behind him. It's late. It's too late. If I don't return home right away—
My body responds before my mind can process it. I yank myself from Henrik's embrace and sprint toward the door, my hands frantically gripping the handle. Nothing happens when I turn it in one direction and then the other.
"Where is the key?" I tremble when I speak.
Henrik's voice is steady and firm as he says, "Elina." "You're not going anywhere. You're also not returning to that residence.
"You promised, Henrik!" I pull on the door. "You promised to release me when I was prepared! You must release me! If I'm late, he'll kill me!
He advances, his presence a wall of power and warmth. "He will never touch you again. Can you hear me?
With a hint of panic in my voice, I whisper, "He'll come after me." "I'll be here for him."
Henrik's arms are crossed. "All right. Allow him to arrive.
I go cold. "But what will you do to him?"
He doesn't respond.
"He cannot be killed." I can hardly hear myself.
Henrik's head tilts. "Why not? You wouldn't have to experience fear ever again.
I violently shake my head. "I am aware of his actions. He deserves it, I'm sure of it. My mother, however, adored him. I caused her death. It will appear as though I also killed him if you kill him.
With a sharp exhale, Henrik reaches out and lifts my chin gently. "Tell me about that day's events."
I back off. "I am unable to."
His mouth clenches, but then he nods. "Perhaps someday."
My heart stops when I hear the phone ring.
Henrik and I look at each other. We both recognize it.
The receiver is picked up by Matti. "Kahvila Lumi." How can I assist you?
With my nails digging into the wood, I hold onto the counter's edge.
Matti's expression hardens. Elina is present, yes. She won't be answering the phone, sorry. Furthermore, she will not be returning home. He has a sharp, controlled voice. "Let me explain myself. Elina will never again set foot in that house. A pause. Then a look of disgust curls his lips. "Oh, really? following your treatment of her? Well, my pals and I are eager for you to arrive. He shuts the phone abruptly.
I turn my head away, not sure how to react.
No one has ever defended me against Ismo. The realization is frightening, freeing, and overwhelming.
Matti looks over at Henrik. "He is en route. He's also bringing his haulikko with him.
I feel cold.
I mumble, "Please, Henrik." "Please let me return."
"No," he responds right away. "It will never end if you return."
I tightened my jaw. "It's not your issue."
Henrik's eyes grow gloomy. His throat vibrates with a low growl.
"It is my issue. since you are my partner.
The word becomes heavy and thick between us.
I give him a scowl. "I want to know now, even though I know you were supposed to tell me tomorrow. What exactly does it mean to be your mate?
Henrik lets out a breath via his nostrils. "Make a vow not to freak out."
"No."
"Then perhaps we ought to wait."
My hand slams into the table. "Henrik, tell me now."
He looks at me for a while, then lets out a sigh. He extends his hand, palms up. "Give your hands to me."
I pause.
"Believe me," he says.
I have no idea why, but I do. I put my hands in his slowly.
I feel a warm pulse go through my body. It's tingly and electric. I take a breath.
Henrik's thumbs make circles on my skin as he tightens his grip.
“When our susi awakens at eighteen, we can sense our mate. It’s like… a gravitational pull. Their aroma is enticing. You just—know as soon as you look someone in the eye. All of your instincts are aware of them. This is how touching them feels. He gives my hands a light squeeze. "Like lightning and fire all at once."
My breath catches.
"Mate bonds are stronger than romantic ones. It's devotion and connection. It is. He swallows. "Need. By permanently bonding by biting each other's necks, we mark each other. No one else can touch you after that. No other male can claim you.”
The words sink into my brain like heavy stones.
“We feel each other’s emotions. We sense each other’s presence. You’re my Luna, Elina. The one I was meant to protect. The one I’m supposed to—” He stops.
I'm motionless.
In my chest, my heart beats frantically.
Bite. Mark. Mating. Pups. Luna. Forever.
I push away from the table, standing too fast. The earth sways.
"Elina?"
I silence him by raising a finger. Before my mind can stop it, my body moves.
I approach the kitchen at a leisurely pace. Then I run.
I sprint to the back door, shoving it open and launching myself into the night.
Henrik wants to bite me. To claim me. To make me his forever.
This is insanity.
My feet thumping the ground, I slam into the trees. I've never run so hard in my life.
However, I never get very far.
Henrik is too quick. I'm running in a second. I'm on the ground the next.
I'm trapped beneath his body, pinned. His breath feels warm against my skin as his face is inches from mine.
He asks, "Why did you run?"
I mumble, "Because I don't want this."
He tightens his hold. "You still don't get it. However, you will.
His strength is unbeatable, even though I struggle.
"Give me a break."
"If I run, will you run too?"
"Yes."
Henrik lets out a low-pitched growl.
There's a shot.
We both turn our heads in the direction of the sound.
The Kahvila.
My dad is present.
Henrik gets up and drags me along with him.
His fingers are still firmly and unrelentingly encircling mine.
I should back off. However, I don't.
Because I feel safe for the first time in my life.
And yet—
But what if I was mistaken? What if I was completely unsafe?
What if the true threat was Henrik?
- Writer
