billion book
Chapter 9
The air crackled around Ivan’s question, heavy with unspoken meaning. My mind instantly flashed to my father’s icy glare. It was tempting to spill the tru ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
I shook my head, keeping my voice level “Nothing. Just the usual pack rivalry stuff. Why do you ask?”
He studied me for a moment, then his smile returned, quick and easy. “No reason, really. Just trying to keep my ear to the ground, you know? Lots of chatter going around. Heard something about trouble at the new elite club and I heard Alex was i
The truth prickled on my tongue, but before I could speak, he cut me off, His hand, warm and gentle, cupped my cheek. “Easy there, no need to explain controlling brute. You’re free to come and go as you please. Just wanted to check.”
Relief washed over me, mingling with a pang of guilt. I forced a smile and nodded. “Thank you. Maybe next time we can go together.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’d like that, Amaya.”
The tension eased, replaced by a cautious hope. This was fragile, this trust he extended, and I wouldn’t risk shattering it with lies. The future stretched b just for now, the simple truth of his presence felt like enough. Look
His touch lingered on my cheek, the warmth seeping into me, melting away the residual chill of fear. It felt safe. Unfamiliar, but safe.
He took a step back gesturing for them to sit, his smile still in place. “This is something I should have done even before the wedding. I want to know you,
His request struck a chord, a long– dormant longing for connection. For the last four years, I’d been molded into something I wasn’t, expected to follow scripts written by others. But Ivan’s
Hesitantly, I began. “I love to paint,” I admitted, surprised by the ease of the words. “Abstracts. Explosions of color, tangled lines that tell stories only I can
see
still paint?”
Ivan’s face lit up with genuine interest. “That’s incredible. Do you st
stung me. “No. Father…” I stopped, the words harsh and bitter van waited patiently, his eyes understanding.
Shame stung
I took a deep breath. “He never approved. Said it was a waste of time. As a future Luna, I should focus on more important things.”
“Ivan!
“Like being a trophy wife,” Ivan finished, his voice surprisingly cold.
We stood in silence for a moment, the unspoken connecting us.
Then, Ivan cleared his throat and offered a hesitant smile. “Well, I think painting’s important. And your father… well, let’s just say he isn’t the world’s best
His lightheartedness warmed me. Maybe, just maybe, there was space for me to rediscover myself in this strange new life.
“Maybe I’ll paint again,” I said, a small smile playing on my lips.
His free eyes glimmered, reflecting the spark in my own. “I’d love to see it,” he said, his voice sincere.
The click of the lock on the door echoed in the silence as a maid passed by, breaking the spell of our o and a frown creased his forehead. He pulled out
conversation. Ivan froze, hand hallway to his pocket,
12:00 Thu, 20 Jun.
“Damn,” he muttered, his voice apologetic. “Looks like duty calls. Something came up at work.”
1 felt a pang of disappointment, the warmth of connection fading a little. “Oh. It’s okay,” I said, forcing a smile. “Work comes first, right?”
He winced. “I’m so sorry, Amaya. Really. This wasn’t how I wanted the day to go.”
He walked towards the door, his stride hesitant. Then, he stopped, turning back to me with a hopeful spark in his eyes. “Listen, hot about you come with
A thrill shot through me. An actual date, away from the watchful eyes of my father, with a man who wasn’t trying to control me. But I hesitated. “Where ar
Ivan chuckled, a touch of awkwardness in his voice. “Work stuff, honestly. It’s not exactly glamorous, but hey, someone’s gotta make sure the gears keep
He extended his hand towards me, his smile disarming, “Come on, adventure awaits. Trust me, it’s more exciting than paint splatters and canvases, at le
I looked at his outstretched hand, then back at his face, his genuine enthusiasm infectious. My doubts melted away, replaced by a flicker of anticipation.
“Okay,” I said, surprising even myself. “Let’s see what kind of trouble your ‘work‘ gets us into.”
We slipped out of the house, the coolness of the night air wrapping around us like a comforting cloak. Ivan kept a tight grip on my hand as we navigated the familiar, yet always oppressive, grounds of my childhood home. My heart thumped a nervous rhythm against my ribs, a mixture of excitem
“Hey,” Ivan murmured, squeezing my hand gently. “Everything okay?”
I offered him a shaky smile. “Just.. it’s been a
een a while since I went out like this. You know, like a normal person.”
He snorted, a deep, genuine laugh that sent a shiver down my spine. “Normal? Amaya you look pretty normal to me.”
My senses were on high alert, but beneath the tension, a thrill danced– the thrill of His words brought a lightness to my heart I hadn’t felt in years. My: defying my father, of reclaiming even a sliver of control over my life.
Finally, we reached a small, unassuming building at the back of the courtyard. Ivan explained it was the headquarters for his team, a group of wolves ded
We spent the next hour walking through the building, Ivan explaining the different operations, introducing me to his colleagues. I learned about patrols, n
And amidst the chaos, the unspoken conversations, I saw Ivan in a new light. He wasn’t just the handsome Alpha’s, the charming suitor. He was a leade
By the time we left, the first blush of dusk was painting the sky.
“I don’t k
know about y
t you but I’m starving,” he said rubbing his stomach, “And I know the perfect restaurant.”
Stepping into the restaurant, the world outside faded away. Dim lighting replaced the harsh moonlight, soft music wove through the air, and laughter ming
“Nervous?” he asked, his voice a comforting rumble
12:00 Thu, 20 Jun M
The truth tangled on my tongue. Nervous? Definitely, Exhilarated? Absolutely.
Ivan’s smile softened. “Don’t worry,” he said, his hand finding mine. “No pressure. No pretense. Just getting to know each other.”
His words washed over me, erasing the tension that had tightened my shoulders. It was… refreshing. Being seen, not as a political pawn, but as a perso
Conversation flowed effortlessly, a river weaving through topics that felt both familiar and new. Ivan’s wit surprised me, his jokes catching me off guard a
He listened intently, a spark of understanding in his eyes, as I talked about my passion for painting, the quiet ache of a dream abandoned.
The world outside blurred as the hours melted away, measured in shared smiles and stolen glances. The initial spark of nervousness simmered. The mu
“May I…?” he started, his voice hesitant.
My breath hitched, anticipation buzzing in my veins. Before I could answer, his hand cupped my cheek, his thumb tracing the curve of my jaw. Then, with tenderness that sent shivers down my spine, he leaned in and kissed me.
It was a soft, hesitant press of lips, a gentle exploration filled with unspoken promises. We pulled away, both breathiess then my wolf stirred, I knew immediate
Pulling away, my eyes clashed with Miranda’s and standing next to her with a glare that could met ice was Alex.
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