Chapter 5
Scarlett's breath hitched as her gaze lingered on Sebastian. The reality of having her mate beside her, tangible and real, sent her heart racing. Mixed emotions swirled within her, a concoction of anticipation and disbelief twirling in her chest. She felt both taken aback and drawn to him in a way she hadn't expected.
Her heartbeats echoed loudly in her ears, sending shivers down her spine and causing her palms to grow clammy. This meeting, something she had both anticipated and dreaded, was now happening in an unexpected rush. Yes, Sebastian was her destined mate, chosen for their compatibility and ability to create a strong lineage. But being attractive and enjoyable company weren't prerequisites, and yet, here he was—a striking figure that she couldn't deny her attraction to.
She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks as she attempted to divert the conversation. "I... I think I need to find you some clothes. Even if Zayn's clothes are too large, I'll find something in his wardrobe," she stammered, trying to mimic his deflection.
Sebastian's expression darkened, a hint of jealousy flashing in his eyes, and tension surged through the room.
"Zayn's wardrobe?" He ground out the words, his voice tinged with jealousy and possessiveness, catching Scarlett off guard.
Sensing the change in his demeanor, Scarlett's heart raced with apprehension. "I could check my father's closet," she hurriedly suggested, realizing the need to diffuse the situation. "I think it might be better. Please wait here."
She hurried off to find suitable attire, but upon returning, she realized Sebastian was no longer in her room. Panic swirled within her, urging her to track him down. Following his scent, she dashed back to the kitchen.
As she entered, she found Zayn offering food to Sebastian, who was frantically rummaging through the fridge. The sight caught Scarlett off guard, and she rushed to intervene.
"Sebastian, calm down," she urged gently, placing a hand on his shoulder, causing him to startle at her touch. "You should have told us you were hungry. Please, sit, and I'll prepare something for you."
Though uncertain, Sebastian complied and settled on a stool, observing her every move intently. Scarlett rummaged through the fridge, gathering ingredients for a quick meal, but Sebastian's sudden movement caught her off guard as he forcibly opened the freezer, causing the door to detach from its hinges. She watched, bewildered and concerned, as he fervently searched through the frozen compartment.
"Sebastian?" she called out, her voice laced with worry as she observed his erratic behavior. He seemed consumed by a singular focus, ignoring her concern entirely.
He grabbed a few large frozen pieces of meat and hungrily eyed them, a manic hunger glinting in his eyes. Before Scarlett could react, he tore into the packaging, the raw meat catching her off guard with its pungent aroma. Unsettled, she was about to voice her concern when he turned to her, attempting to speak.
"Are you—" she started, her words cut short by a mix of concern and confusion over his unusual behavior.
Sebastian's actions were unpredictable, and Scarlett couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that something was amiss. The air was heavy with tension, and she braced herself, unsure of how to handle her mate's uncharacteristic behavior.
Scarlett stood in shock as Sebastian's guttural explanation reverberated in her ears. The revelation that he consumed only meat struck her deeply, leaving her conflicted and concerned. His erratic behavior, the unexpected intensity of his hunger, and his abrupt departure left her with a whirlwind of emotions.
"Sure, I can show you my favorite spots to hunt. There are delicious rabbits—" she started, but Sebastian interrupted her, declining her offer and indicating he preferred to hunt alone. His words were curt, and Scarlett sensed an urgency, a peculiar intensity in his demeanor. It left her feeling unsettled.
As Sebastian flung the window open and vanished into the night, Scarlett's worries mounted. Hours passed, and anxiety consumed her as she paced her room. She attempted to keep busy with household tasks but found her mind constantly drawn to Sebastian's absence. Four hours had elapsed, and his prolonged absence only amplified her concerns.
She grappled with conflicting thoughts, torn between her attraction to Sebastian and the unsettling reality of his behavior. Doubts clouded her mind; was she equipped to handle the complexities of a relationship with a lycan? The uncertainty gnawed at her, and the night stretched endlessly as she grappled with her unease.
When Sebastian finally returned, his appearance was startling. His torso was stained with blood, and he exhibited an uncanny aura. The sight left her breathless, a mixture of concern and anticipation swirling within her.
"You're finally back," she greeted, her voice betraying her nervousness. "It seems like you need a shower. Please, feel free to use mine."
Sebastian's casual demeanor in the midst of this strange scenario baffled her. As he handed her a bunny paw, she observed it with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. His explanation about the paw bringing good luck seemed outlandish, but she accepted it with a hesitant smile.
"I prepared some clothes for you," she offered, trying to regain her composure. "They might be a bit large, but they'll suffice until we can find something your size tomorrow."
As Sebastian hesitated, expressing reluctance to enter the other room, Scarlett sensed a hint of apprehension in his demeanor. It tugged at her heartstrings, compelling her to reassure him.
"We can take our time," she assured him, smiling softly. "There's no rush. Good night, Sebastian."
His departure left her with a mix of emotions—hope, uncertainty, and an inexplicable desire to reassure him further. The complexities of their sudden bond weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her feeling both elated and anxious about their uncertain future together.
Scarlett found herself at a crossroads, navigating uncharted territory with a mate whose nature and behavior posed unforeseen challenges. As she settled into her bed, the night's events replayed in her mind, leaving her pondering the enigma that was Sebastian and the unforeseen journey that lay ahead for them both.