Chapter 64
Chapter 64
64. A Clash
In The Rain
YILEYNA
I slowly pulled away from Zarian, my heart thundering a thousand miles as I looked at Theon His words stung, but his anger was oddly satisfying. “Sorry about this.” I said to Zarian, feeling very aware of what I had almost done. My gaze dipped to his lips, and he leaned in, placing a soft kiss on my cheek.
“We’ll continue after our guest leaves.” He said with a wink. 4
I couldn’t resist the smile that crossed my lips or the fluttering in my stomach. I couldn’t deny that Zarian was extremely charming, even if he didn’t drown me the way Theon did… Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
My smile faded as I looked at the man that took my heart, then crushed it and tossed it aside, time and time again.
“What do you want?” I asked, crossing my arms.
I frowned, realising that despite the cold, he too wasn’t wearing a coat. Zarian and I hadn’t worn any due to our training, but why was Theon out here like this? His shirt was soaked, sticking to him like a second skin. The fabric was now sheer thanks to the rain, displaying his god-like body beneath. My core knotted as I glanced down at his pants, the visible bulge in his pants making my heart pound.
Why did he have this effect on me? I looked into his eyes, and he brushed his soaking hair back as fresh rain began to fall. “As I said, a word.” He replied icily the moment our eyes locked, his blazing with rage and fury. The murderous aura around him made me nervous, but I wasn’t going to show him that. “I can hear you. Talk” I replied defiantly.
His eyes flashed, and he looked at Zarian.
“Leave.” He said, his voice cold and full of venom.
“I’m afraid I’m not a werewolf, and as long as I abide by the laws of Astalion, I don’t need to listen to you.” Zarian replied with a smirk.
Theon’s eyes darkened, and something inside of me twisted. That look in his eyes was almost a silent threat…
“I’ll be fine… Could you wait here for me?” I said, not wanting Zarian to be the target of Theon’s anger. I had seen it before, and something told me Theon held grudges. 2 “I don’t fear him, beautiful.” Zarian replied lightly, and I didn’t miss the way Theon’s eyes flashed at his words.
“I know, but I won’t be far.” I said softly, smiling up at him.
I appreciated his help to train me, but I was not going to let Theon make life hard for him because of me. I walked over to Theon, stopping a foot away.
“What?” I asked icily.
He seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if wanting to say something before deciding against it.
“What the hell is the meaning of this?” He asked, holding up a soaking paper.
One that he had been crushing in his hand.
‘I don’t need your gift or charity. Keep your cabin – Yileyna’
“That’s pretty self-explanatory, is it not? Or have you forgotten how to read?” I asked airily. Despite the heavy rainfall, his scent was invading my senses. He consumed me, and deep down that terrified me… Why did I lose myself when he was near? “Where are you staying?” He asked, swallowing hard. “That’s
personal. Who are you to me that I should share my business with you, future Beta oh I’m sorry, future Co-Alpha?” I spat coldly. “You know what’s funny? You are literally going from one woman and title to the next. What’s wrong Theon, can you not do better than steal others’ titles?”
“This isn’t a fucking joke. Answer my question, where are you staying?” He hissed.
I was surprised he didn’t lose it after my last comment.
“No it isn’t, but I moved out days ago. It’s funny you just found that note now.” I said quietly. “There was a break-in at the cabin. It’s why I… I thought I’d check if you were ok.” He said coldly, looking away from me. 1
I smiled sadly.
Why check if I’m ok when you’re the one who hurt me the most? Keeping my voice level, I replied. “Oh, I see. I had left the door open, I guess it’s my fault. I hope nothing was taken or damaged. “He looked into my eyes, and I did my best to hide my emotions. “If we are done, I’ll be leaving. I have better things to do than talk to a manipulative, heartless man.” I added harshly.
Not even a flash of emotion crossed his face before he stepped closer. The urge to step back was strong, but I remained rooted to my place, glaring at him in warning.
He tilted his head before looking down at my breasts, I knew my blue bra was showing through, but I wasn’t going to act like I cared.
“Good luck finding a man who makes you feel half of what I did.” He said, placing a finger under my chin and tilting it up. I scoffed at the arrogance he held. He left me! “I found someone better already.” I lied, satisfied when I saw the flash of anger in his eyes.” We are done Theon, I don’t have any more time to waste on you and I’m sure you have places to be, titles to steal, people to use and all the other
crap you get up to.” & It hurt to say those words. It was causing me pain too, but nothing compared to what he made me feel.
The image of him kissing Charlene flashed in my mind, and I looked up at him emotionlessly as I pulled away from his touch. He smirked coldly, his eyes glittering gold. “You know nothing about me.”
“No, I don’t, and I really don’t care. Besides, you were the one who ended things. You broke my heart, so you have no right to come back into my life and try to hurt me again. We are done.
“Don’t play the victim. For someone who was apparently heartbroken, you seemed to move on pretty fast.” He said icily. 2
I was no longer sure if Theon even cared, or if I was just a possession to him. One to be used and hurt by him and him alone.
“Oh I did, especially when I realised there are men who actually treat me better.” I brushed my wet hair away from my face. “Now if we are done, I want to go get down and dirty, just like the whore I am.” I added sarcastically. 3
Our eyes met, and for a moment I thought I saw a flash of guilt in his, but it was definitely just my imagination. I turned away, looking at Zarian, who had heard every single word. If he had felt any type of attraction to me, it was surely gone now.
I was about to walk towards him when Theon grabbed hold of my arm and spun me around.
“Where are you staying?” He asked, my heart pounding at our proximity.
What did he want?
Goddess, leave me alone Theon. “Far from you.” I said coldly.
“Then a word of warning, little storm, do not trust every man you come across.” He said, glancing at Zarian with eyes full of pure hatred. ß
“I learned my lesson when I trusted the worst of them all.” I shot back, feeling pain squeeze inside my chest as I looked into those amber eyes that still pulled at my heart strings.
He didn’t respond. I ripped free from his hold and walked toward Zarian.
I could feel it, his eyes burning into me, the sound of his heartbeat that brought me contentment and pain.
Walk away just as he walked away from you… “Yileyna.”
“I will see you at the ball, Theon. Until then…” I looked at Zarian, who was now watching me with an unreadable look in his eyes. “Let’s go.” He always made sure I was safe and in my room before he left, and I was truly grateful for it. I suddenly felt exhausted, not only physically but mentally. Zarian placed his hand on the small of my back as we walked away. The feeling of being watched didn’t leave until we had rounded the bend.
“I don’t want to go home right now, especially with him watching. I’ll go to the local tavern or
something.” I said crossing my arms. He raised his eyebrows, looking down at me. “You’re tired, emotional, and soaking wet. As much as I wouldn’t mind joining you for that drink and getting drunk, I don’t think you will appreciate your actions in the morning.” He said quietly. A voice of reason.
One I didn’t want right now.
I stopped in my tracks and looked up at him, he was slightly shorter than Theon, but his leaner frame made him look equally as tall. “I don’t care.” I said knowing I sounded stubborn and childish, but I really didn’t care right now.
I turned and began walking in the opposite direction towards the city.
I heard him sigh as he grabbed hold of my wrist and spun me around into his arms.
Goddess, what is with these men yanking me like a damn doll!
His arms tightened around me and he looked down at me seriously.
“You don’t want to return home, correct? Then you may stay at my place for the night.” He suggested, looking down at me. My heart was thundering as I realised our bodies were moulded together firmly.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea…” I said, my chest heaving rapidly.
He tilted his head.
“We both know it’s the smarter of the two choices that are before us.” He said quietly.
I knew I wasn’t ready to move on. Seeing Theon’s appearance reminded me of how I felt for him… But if by any chance he was still watching me… Then I wanted him to see me go home with Zarian. I wanted to hurt him just how he had hurt me.
“Fine, why not.” I whispered, slowly pulling away as we continued through the rain…
“Here is a towel and some clothes. I’m afraid I have nothing that will fit well.” Zarian said, holding a bundle out to me. We had just gotten to his place, it was actually a nice house in the more luxurious part of the city, with high walls and good privacy. It wasn’t too big, but it was far from small also. He jerked his head to the bathroom of the room he had given me before he left.
“I’ll have hot drinks ready.” He said.
“Ok, thank you!”
I entered the bathroom, pausing for a moment as I looked around the house. For someone who worked as a waiter, his house was… very nice. I shook the thought off. After all, he was goddess knows how old, he must have saved over many years, or perhaps family wealth…
The moment I stepped into the shower, I let everything wash away. The thoughts, the emotions… everything… But his face didn’t leave; the look in his eyes, the way his touch still left its imprint like a ghost. I leaned my head against the wall behind me and sighed. I needed to stop letting him get to me, but how do you do that? How do you stop the emotions that have no bounds?
I spent a good while in the shower before stepping out and wrapping a towel around myself.
I looked at the clothing that Zarian had given me. A shirt which was clearly his and one that I knew would not close on my chest, and a gown which at least covered me entirely. I brushed my hair with my fingers before I left the bedroom and went to find him. The smell of coffee led me, I found him already showered and seated in the living room, wearing a fresh pair of pants and a shirt which he had left open. His hair was pulled into a ponytail as he looked through some scrolls.
“Ah there you are, you suit purple.” He remarked.
I looked down at the black satin gown, realising it had a purple border. 1
“Thanks, I guess.” I said taking a seat.
The gown slipped open, and I didn’t miss his gaze flicker to my thighs, before he looked away smoothly. My stomach did a flip as I reached for one of the mugs.
“I apologise for you having to see all that earlier.” “Not at all, I think we can all agree that the man is deeply infatuated with you.”
“I don’t think so, I was just a passing moment for him.” I shrugged, feeling very aware of his gaze upon me. “Ah, well, I guess I just assumed wrong then. So, you’re going to the ball then.” “I am yes, with a friend.” I said with a nod. “I’m sure Theon of Westerfell will feel incredibly jealous.” “Well too bad for him then.” I shrugged, when a sudden thought came to me. The idea made my heart skip a beat as I jolted upright, not caring that my unrestricted breasts had just bounced.
What if I managed to push Theon to his limits and he caused a scene? Which could result in Charlene openly having a reason to refuse this relationship. I knew it was reckless, and it would only make me a target for the king’s wrath, but I didn’t care. I would talk to Charlene about it, and maybe it was time to fill Raiden in as well… Maybe he’d help.
“Dare I ask what’s going through that mind of yours?” Zarian asked. 3 I smiled slightly. “Let’s just say I think I have an idea to save my friend.”
“I see.” He smirked, picking up his mug and not asking what I was saving her from.
We fell silent as we sat there sipping our coffees, whilst my mind reeled with a thousand ideas.
There was no way Theon was going to get away with trying to ruin mine or Charlene’s life. Not on my watch.
“I just need to purchase a dress that would bring every unmated wolf to their knees.” I mused.
Zarian let out a light chuckle.
“I assure you, you don’t need a dress to do that. However, I think I might know someone who can send us the perfect dress.”
“Really? Thank you. The price won’t be an issue.”
I smiled gratefully at him as I finished off my coffee. Bring on the ball. I was ready to show Theon that I may not be as strong as he was, but I held power.