CHAPTER NINE:

Azrael's POV:

I couldn't stop pacing the length of my bedroom, clenching fists, trying to ground myself.

This wasn't going to end well.

I knew how it went.

Rosita would whine and cry to her father about my behavior today and because her father can't say shit to my face, he'd run his mouth to the high priestess instead.

And then, she'd probably spend the whole day reminding me why my relationship with Rosita was ‘important’ and how ruining the ‘balance’ will incur the moon goddess's wrath…

I wasn't scared of either of them but that crazy ass woman who lives in the sky had ways to bring an immortal, powerful Alpha like me to his knees.

So yeah, I probably should've taken Rosita's side to avoid the headache. But I couldn't help myself.

The way little red's face had crumpled when Rosita disrespected her… it twisted something in me that I would rather not name.

I had to leave before I did something stupid—like pull her into my arms and smooth the worry lines between her brows with my lips.

Fuck.

Why did I want to cradle her against my chest, shield her from the world, and threaten to burn down anyone who tried to hurt or humiliate her?

It made no sense. We'd only just met.

These were the same kind of feelings Liora evoked in me. The same feelings that led to the destruction of two kingdoms.

And I cannot let that happen. Again.

For the umpteenth time, I reminded myself that I should stay away from her.

Yet, here I was eavesdropping on her conversation with my brother.

Yes, I had a sharper hearing than the wolves of this generation but I also could tune out voices if I wanted to.

I don't want to.

I want to know every tiny detail of their conversation. I want to hear her voice for much longer.

Would she laugh? I'd really love to hear the sound too.

But something ugly reared its head in my chest at the thought of Izar making her laugh.

How do those two know each other?

“...so now that I've treated your wounds and offered you snacks, does that mean we're friends?” Izar sounded too fucking hopeful and maybe a little lovesick?

That can't be right.

She giggled and the rotting organ in my chest jolted.

“You don't know when to give up, do you?” I could hear the smile in her voice.

What was so fucking funny about that?

“...nope,” Izar laughed a little. “I don't back down when I want something.”

My jaw clenched.

That little fucker.

I could hear her hesitation, how her breathing slowed, the way her heart pumped slightly harder than normal, the rustling of her hoodie as she shifted uncomfortably.

“I'm scared,” she said at last, her voice was so small, guarded. “Scared of letting people in… I always get hurt.”

My brows dipped at that. What had happened to her?

“I'm not other people,” Izar reassured gently. “I'm being honest with you. The truth is, I want to protect you, I want to take care of you… I don't just want to be your friend, I want to be more—”

Hell no.

In a heartbeat, I moved. The air bent around me as corridors blurred and in a blink, I was at my brother's door pulling it open.

Two startled eyes stared back at me.

But my eyes stayed fixed on their joint fingers.

Something twisted in my stomach.

Why would he hold her that way? She wasn't even his.

Well, she isn't yours either.

Izar dropped her hand—thankfully, “Uhmm… Az?”

My voice was calm, “Your guest has to leave, now.”

He frowned, rising from his bed and she followed suit. “Why? Is something wrong?”

Yes. Everything is wrong.

Like how I can't stop being curious about her and how much I hate the fact that you both know each other now.

I smiled, “Trust me.”

Izar opened his mouth to argue but clamped it shut. Because he knew better than to argue with me and he trusts me, looks up to me even.

Yeah, I'm milking it right now, using it to pull them apart. Sue me.

My brother looked like someone had brutally killed his puppy as he accepted defeat. “Let me get my keys—”

“Don't worry, I'll take her back to her dorm myself,” I said too quickly.

They both eyed me like I'd sprouted an extra head. And I don't blame them.

Izar arched his brow. “You'd do that?”

I schooled my expression into a casual one, shrugging. “Yeah.

“Okay,” he sighed deeply. Turning to her, “I guess I'll see you around?”

She forced a smile. “Yeah, sure.”

She didn't look at me as she picked up her bag. I moved out of the doorway and she stepped out, walking away.

I moved to follow her when a hand grabbed my bicep. I turned, meeting my brother's sad, pale blue eyes. “Please don't be mean to her, okay?” He pleaded. “I don't know the whole story but…”

“I won't,” I cut him off firmly.

It wasn't his place to care about her.

He gave a small smile. “Thanks, bro.”

I didn't reply to that. I bet he wouldn't be thanking me if I found out what I was about to do…