Chapter 10 Midnight Talks
Emily's POV
The cool night air hit my flushed cheeks like a splash of cold water.
Each breath hurt, making it feel as if my chest was on the verge of splitting apart.
I stumbled outside, desperate for a moment away from the chaos inside the room, away from the thought of him with her.
I fell to my knees, gasping, tears mixing with the sweat on my face.
I felt so small, so abandoned, and I couldn't bear the thought of facing my reality, he didn't even have the decency to reject me outright.
Finally, the sharp pain began to ease, but before I could fully process my relief, I sensed someone nearby.
"Hello there."
Grayson's POV
Restlessness had lured me outside into the cool night air, where I often came to find a moment of peace.
As I gazed up at the stars and the moon, I heard footsteps and turned to see a she-wolf stagger out onto the porch.
She looked disoriented, clutching her chest like she might shatter.
My heart ached for her, there was pain in her stance, something raw and incredibly real.
Was she rejected? Or was her mate cheating on her?
I wanted to step forward, to help, but I hesitated, unsure of how to approach her in such a vulnerable moment.
As she leaned against the wall, I could see the moonlight catching her features, her beauty was striking, even amidst her distress.
"Hello there," I said carefully, trying to keep my tone gentle.
Her eyes widened, shock giving way to an almost shy uncertainty.
"Ummm, hello," she responded, her voice barely above a whisper, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her demeanour.
"How long have you been standing there?" she asked, glancing away, obviously flustered.
"Long enough to see you stumble through that door." I hoped to lighten the mood. A flicker of a smile crossed her lips, and I could sense the tension easing just a bit.
"Do you need a hand?" I offered, extending my arm to help her up. After a moment of hesitation, she took my hand, her touch was soft, and I could smell fresh daisies lingering in her wake. There was something comforting about it.
She sat up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you," she said, managing a shy smile despite the puffiness of her face from crying.
"Would you like to talk about it?" The curiosity pulled me; I wanted to know her story.
"I... I don't even know you," she said, anxiety seemed to be dancing in her voice.
"Sorry—where are my manners? I'm Alpha Noah, but you can just call me Noah." I was secretly hoping my cheerfulness would put her at ease.
There was something unexplainable that drew me to her, a spark that hinted she might be worth knowing more.
Emily's POV
"It's nice to meet you," I managed, still hurting yet strangely drawn to him. "My name is Emily."
"It's nice to meet you, Emily," he replied, his smile warm. "May I ask what's bothering you?"
My heart raced, torn between wanting to share my pain and the fear of being judged. But Noah'sAfter genuine concern made it easier. Maybe I could trust him, just this once. I took a deep breath and looked up at him, realizing how comforting his presence was. "How much time do you have?"
"Why don't we grab something to drink while we talk?" he suggested.
I nodded, feeling a flicker of hope blossom inside me. "Yeah, I think I need that."
Grayson's POV
After making ourselves drinks in the kitchen area of our wing, we settled onto the stairs, drinks in hand, the weight of the night stretching between us like the soft starlit sky above. As she began to unveil her story, I felt my shoulders tighten with anger and pity in equal measure.
"What a fool he is!" I exclaimed, unable to hold back. "If it was me, I'd have marked you right then and there, then figured the rest out later."
Her lips cracked a smile, but I could see the pain beneath it.
Hours melted away as we shared stories and laughter under the moonlight.
She told me about her life, her struggles, the dreams she'd fought for and the chains of heartache that held her back.
I found myself enchanted, sharing my own childhood tales.
Suddenly, she leaned against me, and before I knew it, sleep claimed her in a dreamy sigh.
I hadn't meant to feel this way. I lifted her gently, careful not to disturb her. She deserved peace, at least for one night, and I wanted to keep her safe. I carried her back to my room, making sure no one in the pack spotted us together.
When morning arrived, I was stirred from sleep by the sound of movement. I opened my eyes to find Emily wide-eyed and frantic, scanning the unfamiliar room.
"Hey," I said softly, not wanting to startle her.
"Where am I?" she whispered, her voice laced with panic.
"You're in my room," I assured her, trying to ground her. "How did I end up here?" she asked, anxiety creeping into her tone. "Liam is going to be furious when he finds out I was missing all night."
"Wait, don't you have a mate?" she questioned, alarm flashing in her eyes.
I moved closer, hoping to calm her. "Emily, I don't have a mate," I said firmly, needing her to understand the truth. "And you can just say you were with a friend when you lost track of time. It isn't a big deal."
She took a measured breath, slowly nodding, and the tension began to ease from her shoulders. "Thank you for last night. I really needed to get that off my chest," she said, her words softening the anxiety.
"No worries," I replied, feeling a warmth spread in my chest. "Why don't you go freshen up? We should meet for breakfast after, okay?"
"That sounds good," she said, allowing a small smile as she stood.
As she headed for the door, I pointed her in the right direction and watched her walk away. Not long after I finish my shower and get myself ready for the day, I head downstairs, eager to enjoy some breakfast.