Chapter 37
Zayron stepped closer, his touch gentle yet firm as he lifted Kayla's chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
His dark eyes burned with emotion, yet hesitation flickered within them. He wanted this, wanted her, but something held him back.
Kayla could feel the pull between them, the invisible thread binding them as mates, as something deeper than love.
She tilted her head slightly, offering the kiss they both craved.
But just as she leaned in, Zayron’s hands found her shoulders, stopping her.
Frustration surged through Kayla like a wildfire. She tore herself from his grip and turned away, walking toward the window.
Outside, dark clouds covered the entire retreat, as though the rain was not satisfied yet.
Kayla crossed her arms, exhaling heavily.
“Why do you keep doing this to me?” Kayla murmured.
Zayron followed her, his movements slow and careful, as if approaching a fragile thing.
When he reached her, he didn’t speak. Instead, he slid his arms around her waist, pulling her into his warmth.
His chin rested against the crown of her head, and Kayla let out a soft sigh, her frustration easing despite herself.
His hand moved to her baby bump, his palm circling gently over the life growing within her.
A deep, primal feeling welled up inside Kayla. It was more than physical, it was emotional, spiritual.
Zayron’s touch ignited something deep in her core, something raw and overwhelming.
“I need to settle the war in my mind first,” Zayron finally murmured, his lips brushing against her hair.
“It’s too much to just leave behind.”
Kayla stiffened, then spun around, her hands gripping his shirt.
“You are the only mate I have, Zayron,” she said fiercely, her voice trembling with emotion.
“I am burning for you, Zayron. Burning with hunger for what we are meant to be. For us.”
“I don't understand…” Zayron started to say but Kayla cut him off.
“I don’t care what war rages inside you. You’re here. I’m here. What more do you need to prove that you belong in this world? That you are not Vyrekin. That you belong with me?”
Zayron’s hand cupped Kayla’s cheek, his thumb tracing the delicate curve of her face.
“You don’t understand.”
“Then make me understand,” she challenged, her fingers tightening around his shirt.
“Because all I see is a man who keeps pushing me away when I’m right here, begging for him to hold on.”
Zayron exhaled sharply.
Then, in one swift motion, he scooped Kayla into his arms.
Kayla let out a gasp, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck.
For a moment, she thought he was going to finally give in, to claim her the way they both desperately needed.
But instead, Zayron carried her across the room and gently laid her on the bed.
Kayla watched, breathless, as he pulled the phone from the desk and dialed.
His chest was pressed against hers as he spoke, his voice steady.
“Send lunch to room 305.”
He hung up but didn’t move away.
Instead, he turned his face toward her, their lips a mere breath apart.
His eyes bore into hers, filled with something that could not be described yet undeniably intense.
Kayla swallowed hard, her fingers clutching the sheets beneath her.
The tension between them was unbearable, electric, pulsing in the air around them.
“Zayron,” Kayla whispered.
Zayron exhaled, his forehead resting against hers.
“I just need time,” Zayron whispered, reaching for her hand.
“Stay with me tonight. No more distance. No more running. I want to be in your arms again,” Kayla pleaded.
Zayron swallowed hard, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Then don’t hurt me,” Kayla said softly.
“Love me instead.”
His breathing deepened, and then, finally, he leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers.
“I’ll try.”
Kayla closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the moment.
Even if he wasn’t ready to surrender completely, this was a start. And for now, that was enough.
Zayron’s gaze lingered on Kayla as he gently traced the outline of her face with his fingertips.
Every brush of his hand felt like a silent whisper of affection, like he was trying to memorize the feel of her skin, her presence.
Sometimes, his hand would drift lower, resting on her baby bump, his fingers caressing the curve of her stomach.
Kayla could feel the warmth of his touch, the gentleness of it, as though he were afraid to hurt her.
She relaxed into his touch, letting herself become lost in the quiet intimacy of the moment.
Neither of them spoke, allowing the silence to stretch between them like a comforting blanket.
But then, a soft voice broke through the stillness.
“Room service, Alpha.”
The door opened quietly, and a young omega entered the room, her head lowered in respect.
She set the tray of food on the small table beside the bed.
Kayla could sense the omega’s nervousness, how she tried to avoid making eye contact with Zayron.
After placing the food down, the omega excused herself and left, the door closing softly behind her.
Kayla shifted, but Zayron was already there, gently lifting her with a tenderness that stole her breath away.
He slid a pillow behind her, propping her up against the headboard, making sure she was comfortable.
His eyes never left her, filled with something unspoken, something that made Kayla’s heart flutter.
Without a word, Zayron reached for the plate of food.
He scooped a small portion and lifted it toward her lips, his eyes watching her carefully, as though reading her every reaction.
“Here,” Zayron murmured.
“Eat. You need to keep your strength up.”
Kayla glanced at him, her lips curving into a smile that felt both tender and full of longing.
She took the bite from him, the food.
She could feel his gaze on her, even as he continued to feed her, each bite felt like an act of care, a gesture that spoke louder than any words could.
Kayla swallowed the last bite, feeling a warmth spread through her chest as Zayron placed the empty plate down beside them.
For a moment, they simply sat there, the weight of their closeness settling over them like a blanket, both of them lost in the quiet but powerful connection they shared.