I hear him sigh, and he steps closer. I shiver, unable to raise my eyes up. I feel him coming. I want to step back; I want to run. But I stay, frozen and terrified. His smell again, and I can feel him facing me, dangerously close.
I hold my breath. Damian stopped right in front of me, so close I can feel his warmth. What is he going to do now? Scold me? Hit me? Hideous flashbacks come to me, and Moon Goddess, I don’t want to remember.
He raises his hands and slowly puts them around my neck.
But... Not in a forceful, threatening manner like my brother. No, Damian’s touch is incredibly gentle against my skin, his thumbs caressing my cheeks. Before I can evenrealize what’s going on, I feel his lips, very softly, kissing my forehead.
...What is this feeling? I feel a wave a warmth flowing through my body, starting from my forehead. I close my eyes and breathe again. His lips linger on my skin, and I raise my hands to put them on his wrists, as if I wanted to keep him there, close to me.
This simple kiss chases away all my worries. I feel so many things right now, I’m overwhelmed with emotions. I want to stay like this forever. The two of us, so close, in this dark room, with only the sound of the rain.
After a few seconds, he stops and stares at me in the eyes. Our faces are so close, I feel hypnotized by the silver in his. I can see my reflection in it, and I suddenly remember my horrid scar. I turn away and try to hide it with my hair, but he grasps my hand to stop me.
“Nora, don’t hide it.”
“But, it’s...”
“Don’t.”
I look up to him, embarrassed. He really doesn’t mind it? He sighs, and caresses my cheek once again, on the side where my scar is.
“I don’t want any other mate than you, Nora.”
How can I believe him? Anyone would want someone prettier than me as a mate. I’m ridiculously weak. I’ve done nothing but tremble in fear for the last ten years of my life. Yet his gestures towards me are so gentle...
“Why didn’t you want to see me?” I whisper.
Damian sighs and takes his hands off me. Why is he stepping back now? Did I say something wrong? He looks at me, and I can’t tell what he’s thinking. I see him crossing his arms on his chest, and he seems to hesitate. He looks at me again, seeming hesitant. What now?
I’m about to ask him what’s wrong when he speaks up again, looking straight at me. “I wanted to see you, Nora. I wanted it so badly, I could barely contain my wolf the past weeks. I’m... containing myself. I don’t think you realize how much self-restraint I need right now.”
...Oh.
I turn entirely red as soon as I understand. How stupid am I! Well, I suppose it is to be expected that his wolf-self would make him desire me... And he is a fully grown man, too. So embarrassing! I really didn’t expect that.
And suddenly, I remember Marcus. He wanted me, too. I know Damian’s not the same as that pervert, but I... I start shivering when I remember. His hands, his disgusting breath close to my ears. I unconsciously step back, and Damian notices it.
“Nora?”
“I’m okay, just... Just give me a minute, please.”
I breathe in deeply. Damian is not Marcus. Calm down, Nora, you know you’re safe here.
But what am I supposed to say now? Damian was clear he wants me... That way. And I get it is werewolf nature, how our instincts want it. But I’m not ready for that. And there are so many things that should come first. How should I do this? I don’t want to refuse him point-blank! I should be so happy that he won’t reject me. And it’s not like the idea completely disgusts me, either. I’m just... I still can’t get used to the thought of doing this kind of thing yet. I know nothing about men, nothing about dating!
“Damian, I don’t... I’m not sure I’m...” I stutter.
He shakes his head.
“Nora, I don’t want to force you. I do want you, and I am barely restraining myself from taking you right here, right now. But I won’t.”
Oh my gosh, why does he have to be so blunt! And with his poker face, too! I’m the only one blushing so much that I have to look somewhere else. I’m feeling so hot right now, this is ridiculous! I try to get back to a normal heartbeat, but It’s hard to look at him after hearing that kind of thing. Should I thank him or something? How awkward... And I can feel him staring at me, too, waiting for my reaction.
Unable to come out with a proper answer, I just nod stupidly. “...Can we talk?” I ask.
My question seems to surprise him, but it did come a bit out of the blue. I’m fidgeting a bit, but...
“We’ve barely exchanged more than a few words before, so... I thought that maybe we could... get to know each other a bit more?”
