Angelise's POV
I closed my eyes as he grabbed my ankle and lifted it effortlessly. My body trembled under his loose grip, fragile like a rabbit hunted down by a wolf. My mind played images of Azrael in his study, the way he had forced on me. I braced for the inevitable, for this man to also turn into a monster and attack me.
A few terrifying seconds passed, but he didn't move. I slowly opened my eyes in confusion. Fortunately, the lights had returned, and I gasped at the sight.
He was looking at my feet, observing the bruises from all the running. Feeling my gaze, he looked at me, his brows slightly creased in worry. My heart skipped a beat.
"It's nothing serious," I murmured, quickly averting my gaze. "I will be fine by tomorrow."
The man didn't speak; he simply moved closer. I gasped as he lifted me in a princess style. My hands instinctively circled his neck, my heart racing against my chest. Heat rushed through my entire body, growing with every step he strode toward the bed.
Dropping me on the mattress, he walked toward the cupboard. He dug through every drawer, searching for something, throwing things away carelessly as if he owned the entire place.
Finding the first aid kit, he returned and sat in front of me. Lifting my right leg, he cleaned the wounds on my feet before applying the ointment. The cool cream should have been soothing, but his touch heated my skin-it felt like ice on fire.
I couldn't think straight. My mind fixated on his calloused thumb, the way it grazed my skin. Every time his finger slid over a bruise, a jolt of electricity shot straight to my core. His masculine scent hit me again, making it harder to breathe, harder to think.
"Ow," I gasped as the medicine stung when applied to a deeper cut.
He stopped instantly, his gaze meeting mine for a second. Then he leaned closer and gently blew on the wound.
My toes curled in response. This was worse, infinitely worse. The ghost of his breath did more damage. My stomach flipped, a low ache pulsing between my legs. He moved lower, his fingers trailing down my foot, treating another scratch before blowing again.
My hand shot out, grabbed his instinctively. "Please stop," I choked, gasping for air.
Our gazes locked. He looked confused for a heartbeat before his eyes dropped to my mouth. They glinted gold, watching the way my lips parted as I struggled to breathe. I was begging him to stop this torture. But if he did… it felt like it would only kill me.
My grip tightened on his hand, my knuckles turning white, but I couldn't pull away. His presence pulled me in like a magnet. I felt a strong attraction I couldn't name. It was even stronger than what I felt with Azrael.
Fuck… Was I fated to both brothers?
My eyes widened at the wild thought. I looked at him, at the way he was struggling to hold back. His eyes darkened, a bruised, stormy crimson swallowing the gold.
The air thickened around us, the primal tension between us rising goosebumps on my neck. Suddenly, his hand slid from my ankle to the back of my knee and pulled me closer.
I gasped as I was hauled forward, my body colliding with his chest before I landed across his lap. My breath stuck in my throat, my thighs brushing the rough denim of his jeans.
My heart rammed as his hand held my waist, holding me firmly. His hand moved to my collar, taking out the jacket he had draped on me earlier. I shivered slightly, the nightgown offering little protection.
Slowly, he dipped his head into my neck. His nose grazed the sensitive pulse point of my neck. I let out a broken gasp, my fingers clutching his tee as he inhaled my scent.
I should have fought. I should have screamed. But his scent, sandalwood and smoked vanilla wrapped around me like a sinful spell.
The cool air brushed my collarbone, but I barely felt it, not when his thumb rose to my face. He caressed my lower lip, as if he were asking for my permission. As if giving me a final chance to bolt. But instead of pulling away, my body arched closer, begging him to kiss me.
This was forbidden, treacherous, and would cost my head, but stopping him wasn't a solution. It rather felt like a death sentence. I was bound to die either way.
His hand reached my neck, tilting it slightly to close the remaining inch between our lips. My eyelids fluttered shut. A shiver ran down my spine as his lips grazed mine softly. But before he could properly kiss me-
Knock. Knock.
"Angelise, are you awake?" A voice echoed from the other side of the door, the banging growing louder.
My eyes widened in shock, and I jumped out of his lap.
"Angelise?!" The banging grew louder, making my heart leap out of my chest.
"Margaret?" I murmured, glancing at the door. I instantly turned back to the bed, only to find it empty.
He was gone. Not just him, even the jacket was not on the bed. It seemed as if he didn't wish to leave any traces behind.
My eyes wandered around the room before fixing on the window.
"Angelise, are you alright?" Margaret's voice grew louder, and I quickly rushed to the door.
Taking a deep breath, I opened it. Margaret rushed in, her eyes scanning me. "Are you okay?" she asked worriedly.
"Yes." I nodded. "I was just treating my wounds," I added, turning toward the bed.
Only if she has been a few minutes late. Maybe an hour? My dirty mind ran all the things we might have ended up doing. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I shook my head.
'Shut up!' I scolded my inner demon.
"Oh," Margaret sighed in relief. But then her eyes caught the mess in the room. Her clothes and things were all thrown out, and I pursed my lips.
"I was trying to search for the kit," I lied, blaming my brute savior.
But Margaret didn't find it convincing. She sniffed the air, her eyes wandering around before they landed on the window.
With a gulp, I tried to cover up, "I am sorry-"
My words cut off as she suddenly grabbed my shoulders, gripping them tightly. "Was the Alpha here?" she asked, her eyes dark and vile.
Shaking my shoulders, she asked again, "Tell me, Angelise! Was Alpha Zaerian here?"
Zaerian? I frowned in confusion. The name sounded like thunder in my head. Was that my saviour's name? But why was she calling him an Alpha? Azrael was the next Alpha of my pack, not his brother, who was here a minute ago.
"No." I firmly shook my head. "No one was here."
Margaret stared at me, right into my soul to see if I was telling the truth. I nervously bit my lip and added, "I swear! No one was here."
Margaret scowled, releasing my shoulders. Before I could relax, her eyes darkened in anger and-
Pak.
She slapped so hard that I staggered back. The world tilted, my vision slightly blurred. I held my stinging cheek, shock filling my face as the woman glared at me.
"Don't lie, you ungrateful bitch." Margaret moved forward, her hands curled around my neck. "I will kill you for him tonight!"