Desired by Shadows

5: In his embrace

Violet Stone

As he secured the window, a strong gust of wind blew through the room, causing papers on his desk to flutter and the curtains to dance at a chaotic rhythm. At that moment, Violet's heart raced, not just from the storm outside, but from witnessing the enigmatic therapist's almost otherworldly display of speed and agility.

And then, in a startling turn of events, the storm's fury intensified, causing a heavy bookshelf to topple dangerously towards Violet. Before she could react and get out of the chair, his instincts kicked in, and he launched himself towards her. It was as if time slowed down, and Violet could only watch in awe as he managed to push her out of harm's way just in the nick of time.

As he shielded her from the falling bookshelf, their bodies collided, and she felt the raw strength of his muscles beneath the layers of his clothes. His arms enveloped her protectively, and for a fleeting moment, she was captivated by the feel of his powerful embrace.

The bookshelf crashed to the ground with a deafening noise and she almost jumped in his arms. He held her more firmly as they remained entangled, their breaths mingling in the charged air.

Violet's heart was racing, and she could feel the intensity of the moment, the palpable connection between them. Her delicate waist seemed to fit perfectly in his hands, but as he held her, an unsettling feeling crept over her. She felt small and vulnerable as if she were being engulfed by an overpowering presence.

His amber eyes bore into hers, and at that moment, she saw a flicker of vulnerability hidden beneath his intimidating facade. His heart was pounding just as fast as hers, and she realized that he had risked himself to save her without a second thought.

For the first time since she had met him, Violet saw a glimpse of humanity in the enigmatic human before her. His actions spoke volumes, revealing a fierce protectiveness and an unwavering dedication to keeping her safe.

As the storm raged outside, a storm of emotions brewed within Violet. Fear, awe, and an inexplicable attraction swirled together, leaving her feeling both vulnerable and drawn to the man who had just shown her his extraordinary abilities.

The therapy room was now filled with a charged energy, and neither of them seemed eager to break away from each other. Their bodies were still close, and Violet could feel the warmth of his breath against her skin. It was a moment frozen in time, where the boundaries between therapist and patient blurred, and a connection that transcended their roles was forged.

Eventually, his grip on her loosened, and he helped her to her feet with a strength that hinted at beastly strength. The storm outside began to subside, mirroring the tumultuous emotions swirling within her.

Dr Darkwood’s voice softened as he spoke, "Are you alright, Violet? I didn't mean for things to get so out of control. You took quite a fall there."

Still catching her breath, Violet managed a nod, her heart still racing from the intensity of the moment. "I-I'm okay," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for saving me. I don't know what would've happened..."

"I couldn't stand by and watch you get hurt." His eyes held a mix of emotions as he gazed at her, his usual air of control momentarily slipping as he cut her words.

Violet felt a strange flutter in her chest at his words, a warmth spreading through her despite the chilling encounter they had just shared. She glanced down at her injured thigh as she attempted to stand upright, where a shallow cut oozed blood from the fall. She winced, her face contorted in pain, a sensation that threatened to overwhelm her. Yet, she fought back the tears, unwilling to reveal her vulnerability like a young child in the presence of such a confident man.

"You are hurt." He said gently, "Come, let's get you taken care of properly. I wouldn't want it to get infected."

Violet hesitated for a moment, still entangled in a maelstrom of emotions. Her soft pink dress was now in disarray, a glass piece stuck in the fabric, and a bloodstain marred the delicate material near her upper thigh. She felt exposed and vulnerable, the torn dress adding to her discomfort. A sense of déjà vu washed over her. Not again, she thought, especially not in front of another stranger.

She couldn't help but feel uneasy under his piercing scrutiny of her wound. With a hesitant nod, she followed him outside the therapy room, where he skillfully treated her wound with gentle expertise. Despite her discomfort and the awkwardness of the situation, she managed to stay calm before him.

As he carefully cleaned the wound, Violet couldn't help but notice the contrasting facets of Dr Darkwood’s character – the fierce and enigmatic being that had saved her just moments ago and the surprisingly tender side that was now tending to her injury. It was as if she was glimpsing two sides of the same coin, and it only deepened the mystery surrounding him.

Once he finished bandaging her wound, he stood up, his composed facade returning. "You should be more careful," he said, his voice regaining its usual composure. "The world can be a dangerous place, especially for someone as vulnerable as you."

Hadn't Owen expressed something similar?

His words stirred a sense of defiance in Violet, and she bristled at his insinuation, feeling her independence flare up. "I can take care of myself," she retorted, her voice laced with determination. Though she knew there was a hint of truth in his words, she didn't appreciate how he questioned her feminine strength.

His lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes holding a glint of amusement. "I don't doubt that," he conceded, "but sometimes, it's okay to accept advice from others."

For a moment, they stood there, their eyes locked in a silent exchange, each of them grappling with their own thoughts and feelings. Then, he cleared his throat, breaking the intense moment. Before he could say anything, Violet spoke.

"I am getting late," she said, glancing at the clock on the wall. "I should get going."

The pain was becoming unbearable, and all Violet yearned for was the comfort of her home.

Besides, she had no intention of getting into a disagreement with the man who had come to her rescue.

"I will drop you, it's dark." Dr Darkwood suggested as he reached for the keys in one of the drawers, "You are hurt and the weather outside doesn't look too good either."

Violet opened her mouth to protest, but something in his gaze stopped her. Reluctantly, she nodded in agreement for lack of a better choice.

As they made their way out of the clinic, the storm had subsided, leaving behind a cool and calm night. A sleek black car was waiting outside, and Dr Darkwood opened the door for her, gesturing for her to get in.

As the car drove through the dimly lit streets, Violet couldn't help but moan in pain and discomfort from the wound on her thigh.

"How come you are dressed for summer on an evening like this?" He asked, his voice breaking the silence, his eyes subtly glancing at her thighs.

Violet felt uncomfortable with how he seemed to be judging her again, especially after he had referred to her as delicate. But she mustered a simple reply, pulling her dress slightly that barely reached her knees, "It just turned out that way."

Dressed in a light, flowy frock, Violet had intended to take a leisurely walk in the nearby park after her college classes, hoping to find inspiration for her art project. However, when she received a call from Dr Darkwood's office to reschedule her appointment, she didn't think much of it and headed directly to his office. But fate had different plans, and the weather took an unexpected turn, becoming stormy right in the middle of her therapy session.

Violet's perception of him was limited to his masculinity and his competence as a therapist. Engaging in casual conversation with a girl wasn't his strong suit, that much was clear to her.

He drove to her home with an uncanny familiarity, almost as if he had memorized the address from her form. However, upon reaching her destination, he didn't linger for her gratitude. With a brisk departure, his car melted into the distance. She watched as his car disappeared, wondering if she would ever be able to understand his weirdness.

In that fleeting moment, Violet couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Dr Lupin Darkwood than just the cold and intimidating therapist she had first encountered. Beneath the surface, there was a complexity, a duality that fascinated and unnerved her.

Little did she know that this stormy encounter was just the beginning of a journey that would lead her into the heart of darkness and desire, where the boundaries of humanity and the supernatural would be forever blurred, and the werewolf would become an integral part of her life, challenging and unravelling everything she thought she knew.