5
1165 Words
DANTE
I laid the girl on my bed and slumped into the chair in the corner of the room.
The moonlight slipped through the window, which bore no curtains. The silver light shimmered over the sleeping girl’s bruised face, but at least the blood was gone. I’d cleaned it up carefully so as not to wake her.
I tilted my head back, exhaling as I closed my eyes, imagining an uncomfortable night’s sleep lay ahead. Nightmares had chased my dreams away, but still, I had to sleep, or I would become weak.
A bolt of pain burns at my throat, snaking its fiery way into my chest as it took my breath away. I clutch at my throat, falling to my knees as my eyes well up with agony.
What is going on?
Then a bolt of blue takes over my vision, and her name rings in my ears.
Sasha.
I pounded at my chest, desperate to feel the air in my lungs again.
I spluttered and coughed, my throat burning with the lack of oxygen, my vision still fuzzy with neon blue shards of light.
“Sasha,” I rasped, as overwhelming sadness came over me.
I thought about my mate every day, but I knew she would be safe at the pack.
Not only was she one of the best warriors they had, but Dominic would also keep his word, providing I kept mine.
I had.
I’d never experienced pain like that, and somehow I knew it was related to my mate, who must be in pain, or worse.
No. I mustn’t think like that.
“Where am I?”
I lifted my head to see the girl that smelled of cherries and vanilla looking down at me through sleepy lashes.
“Hey,” I said, lifting myself to my feet as tears threatened to fall from my eyes. “Sorry, some vile fuckers attacked you--”
The girl gazed at me, her eyes searching my face as tears slid down my cheeks.
I wiped them away, embarrassed that she was seeing me this way.
“You’re the wolf,” she whispered, drawing her knees to her chest.
“What? No, you hit your head, you were unconscious—“
She shook her head, her deep crimson waves shimmering in the moonlight, her full lips pursing together as she spoke again. “These… men attacked me,” she swallowed, hugging her knees. “Then you came along.”
I lifted my eyes to hers, and she offered me a small smile.
“Thank you,” she whispered before frowning. “Are you alright?”
I nodded, knowing if I spoke, I’d probably sob like a newborn. The pain within me was crippling, the grief owning every fiber of my being.
“I’m so cold,” the girl trembled, and I jumped up, running a hand through my hair as I searched the room.
“Here,” I said, tossing my hoody over to her. “Do you want a coffee or anything?”
“Yes please,” she whispered back, shivering as she tugged my hoody on, scanning the bed beside her with a frown.
“Your stuff is in the kitchen,” I jutted my thumb behind me, temporarily distracted by the way she looked at me. Crystal clear sea-green eyes gazed at me, her tongue wetting her lips.
The grief smashed into my soul again. I winced, turning towards the kitchen to get her a coffee and her belongings.
I’d drop her home when she was fully awake.
I stumbled out of the bedroom, clutching my stomach.
Was I dying?
I poured water into the kettle, flicking the switch with such force it almost snapped off.
The neon light was back in my eyes, such a brilliant blue that I couldn’t see anything else.
The pain subsided, and a wave of calm came over me. The sadness was gone, which only made me panic even more.
Sasha.
She must be dead.
I gripped the counter, dropping my head between my arms as I inhaled, struggling to remain sane.
My mate is dead.
I knew it; the feeling of losing one’s mate was so destructive you felt their death too.
“Are you alright?” The soft voice came from behind me, and I nodded, forcing myself to get her a cup from the cupboard. It was one I had from the gym, labeled Tony’s.
“Sugar?”
“Hey, what’s your name?” She pressed, coming closer to me. I could smell her fear, but her intense desire to comfort me outweighed it.
What a nice girl.
I poured water onto the coffee granules, inhaling the strong aroma before pouring milk in it with trembling hands.
“Dante,” I whisper, pushing the mug into her hands as her forest green gaze bored into mine.
“Amber,” she murmured back, reaching up to wipe my cheek.
I caught her hand, and she stumbled back, apologies spilling from her lips. “Sorry, I didn’t think—“
“Don’t touch me,” I warned her, feeling my canines expanding.
What the f**k is wrong with me?
“I didn’t-I’m sorry.”
Tears cascaded from her eyes as she stepped back, clutching the coffee as though it were a weapon.
Her innocence radiated off her, and as my chest rose and fell, I saw what the bastards from earlier must’ve seen.
Long legs that led to red-polished toes, soft crimson curls that bounced when her shoulders shook with tears.
Claim her then, my wolf suggested, licking his lips. It’s been a while.
I shook my head, pushing my wolf back as he tried to come forward, eager to mate with the beautiful girl in front of me.
It had been a while.
Two years.
I couldn’t trust myself to have s*x with another human, despite coming close to it many times.
I couldn’t expose myself.
Instead, I stride over to her, pulling her into my arms as she cries, her hands clutching the back of my shirt.
Go on, then, now’s your chance! My wolf leaped around, but I gritted my teeth, refusing to acknowledge him.
He would have to wait.
“Dante what,” Amber mumbled in my chest, her voice stirring up emotions I’d not felt in years.
“What?” I frowned as she tilted her head back, her emerald eyes searching mine.
Fuck her. Now, whined my wolf.
“Your surname. It’s not Charming, is it?” Amber laughed, stepping back to sip her coffee.
Cherries always were my favorite fruit.
SHUT UP! I commanded, and my wolf growled in annoyance.
“Uh, no. It’s Seven.”
“Seven?” Amber gasped, looking up at me with surprise. “As in the Seventy Forest Sevens? The millionaires?” Her voice was high pitched, her eyes stunned.
“Distant relations,” I shrugged, stepping away from her. “Sorry to disappoint. I’ll drop you home after your coffee.”
- Writer
