Chapter 002
1269 Words
Unspoken Truths
You hurt. Allow me to assist you.
Though his voice was harsh, it carried worry. I wanted his touch, not his pity. But my body deceived me, moving into his warmth as he steadied me.
His hands on my waist, strong but delicate, sent thrills over me. I detested his easy influence on me, how his presence caused my heart to race even when I wanted to loathe him.
Damian's blue eyes peered into my face, concern carved in every line. Aria, you are bleeding.
"It's just a scratch". I attempted to back off, but his hold tightened and his angry eyes flashed.
"Don't fool me." His speech was harsh, his look fierce. "You battled those rogues like you harbored a death wish."
I shot him, not wavering in my stance. I can look after myself.
His teeth locked and his gaze narrowed. "You almost had yourself killed."
Ignoring the agony searing over my arm, I shoved his hands away. "I asked for your help, not here."
His face grew tough and pain flashed in his eyes. Never do.
The unsaid words hung silently in the thick air separating us. I sensed his aggravation and rage. Also, something more fundamental. Something that made my chest contract.
Fighting the tears scorching my eyes, I turned aside. "I have no need of you shielding me."
His voice grew softer, his wrath painting. " Maybe not. But I won't allow your obstinate pride to force you to perish.
I bit my lip, the deep-cutting anguish in his words. Why did he become concerned now? After all, he subjected me to? " Damian, why do you care? You made it quite evident I was nothing to you.
He turned back, his shoulders tightening. "I never meant to damage you."
I laughed—the sound was empty and harsh. Still, you did. When you sent me away, you broke me up.
His face dropped, shame twisting his features. I felt I was acting morally.
"What is the right thing?" My voice got louder, my rage pouring out. You embarrassed me in front of the whole pack! You made me feel less than.
His eyes clouded, suffering casting shadows across his sight. "I was trying to guard you."
My heart thumping, I glanced at him. "Protect me from what?," he asked.
His quiet was deafening, his eyes flashing with doubt. I could see the struggle he battled within him.
Tell me, Damian: Shield me against what?
He turned aside and tightened his jaw. From my perspective.
My breath hung in my throat. What... What are you referring to?
His guard at last broke, his shoulders hunched. "Aria, I am dangerous." My wolf deviated from the others. He is aggressive and uncontrollably erratic. Had you been claimed, he would have destroyed you.
I looked at him, astonishment and uncertainty whirling in my head. "You... rejected me to protect me?"
He fixed me with imploring eyes. I didn't want to harm you. But I can't gamble on losing you or losing control.
As his words set in, my heart twisted and my wrath melted. I assumed all this time he was embarrassed of me and disliked me. He was terrified, though, of himself.
I exhaled shakily, my voice quivering. You ought to have mentioned this.
His eyes softened as remorse swept over him. "I wasn't sure how." I felt... Without me, you would seem better off.
My heart contracted, the truth of his anxiety mixing with the pain of his rejection. You were mistaken. Denying me did not shield me. It cracked me.
His face twisted and his shoulders drooped. I apologize, Aria. I never wanted to treat you badly. I felt... You seemed to be moving on.
Tears were blazing in my eyes. I laughed bitterly. Move on? From my mate, how could I go on?
Closed his eyes, his suffering clear. I never moved on either.
His admission seemed to me like a gut-reversing blow. In his eyes, I could see the truth—the desire and grief that reflected mine.
I turned aside, my heartache evident. These days, it makes no difference. What one does is what one does.
His hand extended, and his fingertips swept my cheek. "I wish to write things." I wish for... I am looking for a second chance.
I backed off, his touch searing my flesh. You are not entitled to ask for that. Not following your efforts after everything.
His face dropped as despair tore across his eyes. "I will do everything, Aria." Just... never leave.
Shaking my head, I battled the tears. I am not able to remain. Not in line with your behavior. Not after what you grabbed from me.
His shoulders sank and he seemed broken. Please don't go.
I wanted to linger. I wanted to give him another go and believe him. The hurt of his rejection was still too great, too deep. I am unable. Losing you once more will not be survivable.
His voice broke, and his eyes were bloodshot. I refuse to let you leave. Once more, not here.
My heart shattering, I turned aside. "You are not free to choose."
A terrible howl sounded throughout the jungle before he could answer. My blood got cold, and my body stiffened.
Damian tensed his muscles and enlarged his eyes. "They located us."
As shadows danced between the trees, brilliant red eyes cutting through the gloom, terror seized me. Back among the rogues were the ones.
Damian moved in front of me, his body covering mine. Run, Aria. Leave this space.
Not abandoning you is me. My voice was strong, my will unchangeable.
His eyes softened and he felt pride in them. "Stubborn as always".
The rogues surfaced, their eyes ravenous with bloodshot and their growls resounding across the woods. This time, at least a dozen were more plentiful.
The body of Damian shook as his wolf battled to escape. I will hold off on them. You must depart.
"I'm not leaving you," I said, hands shining in silver light. "We fight alongside each other."
His eyes opened shock clearly on his face. "Your authority..." Do you now have mastery over them?
I straightened my shoulders, my confidence exploding. I had to pick things up. Nobody else was going to come help me.
His expression softened, shame and respect flooding over him in mixed tones. "You're stronger than I could have ever dreamed."
A rogue sprang at us with naked teeth. Damian turned midair, his huge black wolf slamming into the renegade, and their bodies fell to the earth.
Another renegade attacked me, his eyes ablaze with hate. Rising my hands, the silver light sprang forth and knocked back into the night.
Damian was there next to me, his wolf fiercely battling with unparalleled power. Still, the rogues kept returning, their numbers too great.
With every strike, my body grew weaker, and I could sense my powers failing. My vision hazily changed as darkness crept to the margins.
Three rogues flung Damian's body to the ground; his wolf let out a terrible howl. Blood streaked his fur; his eyes begged as he battled to stand.
Not! I cried and hurried near him. But something sharp and chilly wrapped around my neck and pulled me back before I could get to him.
Little Luna, you're not going away, a deep, dark voice murmured in my ear.
I stopped, horror coursing through me. Though I battled the grasp, it was useless. The shadows all around me had hungry crimson eyes.
Damian's wolf howled, his eyes locked on me, desperation and terror in them.
- Writer
