Chapter 97

Chapter 97

He furrowed his brow in astonishment, for although I had usually found an excuse to grumble when he took me up, this time I was blatantly pleading with him to take me into his arms. He must have noticed the desperation in my eyes because he smiled down at me, and my heart nearly burst rather than making fun of me.

Derrick easily drew me into his arms, and I instinctively tried to tuck my face into the nape of his neck, just as he had done to me moments before.

I was learning the subtleties of his smell by heart, so my brain was working nonstop. I pondered whether the infusion would lessen my attraction to his aroma and whether I would experience no emotions the next time I pressed my face against his throat. Would his aroma become a haze like everyone else's, or would I forget what he smelled like?

I agitatedly rubbed my fingers across his chest, comforting him. I was more pleased with Derrick's quiet sighs of contentment than I could express with words.

He guided me through the pack house without saying anything, and I gripped him even more as he led the stairs to our quarters. He took us to one of the rooms I hadn't had a chance to inspect until we got to the top floor. I wasn't one to complain, though, because the two of us had mostly only been in the kitchen and our beds.

After settling me on the floor, Derrick showed me the rather spacious dining area. The pack house's elegant décor, complete with a massive oak table and chairs in the center of the space, was immaculate.

When I asked to eat supper with him, the table was already set, and he assisted me in taking off my coat. He threw it over one of the empty seats, and I hardly breathed before he assisted me in finding a seat.

After allowing me to take the lead at the table and ensuring I was comfortable, he sat next to me on the longer side of the arrangement.

He filled my wine glass, and I hesitantly took a big swallow from it.

I felt his gaze on me as I looked down at the meal, which simultaneously made me feel really hungry and like I should throw up.

I had wished I had been there to watch him prepare the homemade pizza, as he took his time kneading, rolling, and flipping the dough.

A flush rose to my cheeks, and my eyes darted to his.

I was glad he could still make me feel lustful even in the worst hours of my life.

"You seem surprised." I shrugged as my heart gave in to his smile once more.

Pizza was my go-to meal on a rough day, and I was going to have the worst day of my life.

"You had your cooks prepare a feast for me the last time you laid it down," he sneered, taking offense at my statement as he extended his hand to touch my face.

"Every piece of food on this table was made by my hands, and I promise that I put all my love into it." My lips shook as my need to shout out in front of him threatened to burst out of me, and my heart missed a beat.

The words struck me like a sledgehammer as he spoke them without actually uttering them.

I had never believed I could ever love someone; I didn't think I was worthy of it, and yet here it was, unconditional and irreversible. I knew he loved me because it was evident in every one of his kind words and every gentle touch.

I cherished him.

It was a bittersweet sensation, and the reason I wanted to spare him harm was because I would rather relieve his suffering than force him to endure it.

"I can't do this; I—I can't keep lying to you." I wrenched myself free from his hold, pushing back my chair and reaching for my coat to retrieve the two vials of potion.

"Kylie—"

He was staring at me, bewildered, not getting up from his seat.

He had thought everything had been great up until now, but I was always ruining things. With tears threatening to spill even before I could say anything, I begged him with my eyes.

"I'm not who you think I am, so please pay attention to everything I have to say. I don't deserve your affection, or your kindness, for that matter. I have made mistakes in the past." I trembled all over, shaking my head because this was it—I had finally found the bravery, and it was shattering me to pieces. "Assure me that you will hear what I have to say before passing judgment. After that, you're free to detest me and exact your retribution on me, but I won't fight back." He squinted and shifted in his chair as if everything I had just said was absolutely nonsensical.

"Kylie, there is nothing you can do that can make me hate you." He wasn't understanding yet, but he will eventually. I shook my head once more. "Sit down with me; we can work through whatever is going on in your head together." Even as I was breaking down—even though I was the one who had betrayed him—he gently urged me.

My heart faltered as his palm brushed against my seat once again. Right now, I couldn't be near him since he always made me feel uncomfortable in inappropriate ways.

"I'm a witch blood wolf." As I watched the features on his face stiffen, I blurted out. Since we first met, I have been lying to you because I am aware of the nature of the royal order that applies to my people. I am aware of what we did to your parents, but I held off on speaking until I was certain that there was a chance for you to get out of this and be free from my control."

This time, I stepped closer to him, his narrowed eyes watching every motion I made as I placed the vials on the table in front of him.