✧

The feeling of Brea's incredibly long fingernails is still embedded into my skin as I sharply walk away from her and in the direction of my mate, sitting on the same table as Aurelia and Noah. A thousand different thoughts fly through my brain as her dark eyes land on mine.

First of all, why the fuck is she out of her room?

And second, who does Noah think he is putting his arm around her like she belongs to him?

My jaw tightens to the point I hear it crunch and people quickly move out of the way as I storm towards their table like a caveman ready to stake my claim. It's the complete opposite of what I should do and I tell myself to take a breath before I make a scene in front of everyone.

Not today, Haze. Not now.

I walk to the edge of their table, Viola's eyes haven't removed from mine for a split second.

"Haze," Noah says casually but my gaze burns into the arm that is so comfortably wrapped over her shoulder. "Fancy seeing you here."

Viola's chest doesn't move but she doesn't move away from the situation. "Yeah, funny. I live here too." I say without an ounce of humour.

There is a tick in my eye at the thought of his scent over her. He might be homosexual, but I still don't like the thought of another male near my mate. I want his arm off her. I want to burn his flesh alive.

As if he can read my thoughts he removes his arm from Viola and rests his elbows on the table instead. My eyes flick to the tray in front of Viola and to my surprise it's not completely full. I don't let this surprise show on my face. Blood pumps through my veins with fury.

"How did you get out of your room, Viola?" I ask as calmly as possible.

She takes one glance at Noah and then back at me, her pouty little lips falling open in hesitation. "Uh...I—"

"I let her out," Noah states matter of factly.

My brows crease. "And what made you think you had the right to do that?"

"Because she deserves to be out here with us. She's one of us, isn't she?"

Silence blooms over us and I don't miss the way Viola takes a breath and I see fear flash in her eyes. She doesn't want to go back into her room. That's obvious.

My head twists and I meet Viola's eyes once more. "Sweetness, will you stand up for me?"

"I don't want to go back in there," she rasps, holding onto my gaze. "I haven't done anything wrong. I haven't caused any issues. I'm just eating lunch. Don't force me back in there."

I breathe out through my nose. "Stand up, Viola."

Her shoulders visibly tense and she does as she's asked—which is amazing considering I thought she wouldn't pass up at the thought of embarrassing me in front of my pack members.

I start walking out of the canteen, avoiding all the eyes on us. Viola trails behind with clenched fists and daggers for eyes. I reach the stairs and turn around to face her and if I knew better, she's about to punch me.

My hand reaches out and I capture her fist before it can make contact with my nose. The sensation of sparks erupts over my skin and I try my damned hardest to ignore the mate bond, but it's near impossible. I'm burning up and I cannot fucking stop it. Not when it feels euphoric and forbidden all at once.

I tut and twist her wrist backwards, but not enough to hurt. She winces anyway. "Now, now. Where are your manners?"

"Long gone with yours too." She spits and attempts to remove her hand from my grip but I don't let go.

"That wasn't very nice."

Viola's brows furrow. "You literally killed someone yesterday, Haze. For me."

I snarl. "Don't feel sorry for that asshole who hurt you, sweetness. I know you're better than that. He deserved to die."

"No, he didn't." She scowls at me. "He might have done bad things but he didn't deserve to die."

"What if I told you we found out that he hurt two other girls from the pack, hmm? He was not a good person, Viola. So don't start crying over a man who wouldn't be crying for you."

Viola blinks at me and closes her eyes, taking a deep breath.

I don't think I'm ready to lose the waves of the matebond, even if I'm the only one who can feel them. Viola's face is a death glare and yet my heart is pounding outside of my chest as I cradle her tiny fist in mine, my entire hand closing over hers effortlessly.

"I'm not taking you back to your room," I grit my teeth and yank her closer. "So I'd highly appreciate it if you didn't try to damage my handsome face."

From this angle I'm literally double the size of her, height and all. Her head is tilted up towards me as I stare down at her with hardened eyes.

"You wish you were handsome," she snarls.

A small yelp escapes the back of her throat as I tug her chest against mine, but I continue to hold her hand hostage. I could really do without taking a trip to the healers with a broken nose—now everyone will start asking questions.

"Sweetness," I purr. "I know you think I'm handsome. Don't even try to hide it."

Her nose turns up at my statement. "You can't read my mind, asshole."

"Can't I?"

This makes her sober for a moment and my lips stretch into a shit-eating grin. I can't read her mind, but I know how she feels about my looks. I saw it the day I went onto her territory in my human form. I saw those eyes roam me with curiosity and heated cheeks.

She might not want to admit it, but deep down, she wants me. It's inevitable.

"Then where the hell are you taking me?" Viola's voice shakes. "I don't want to go anywhere with you."

My brows raise. "No? Not even if I offered to take you on a tour of the pack house?"

Viola's dark eyes flick between mine rapidly, desperately trying to find the catch. "Why would you do that?"

"Do you want to go back to your room?"

"No," she stands her ground.

"Then let's go."

I walk away, not instantly hearing the sound of small footsteps behind me but I don't turn around. After a few moments I feel a presence at my side although Viola says nothing but follows me down to one end of the house.

"These are our indoor training facilities," I raise my arm to gesture towards the large gym with a soft foam floor. "Sometimes we can't risk training outside, so we made sure we had space to do it somewhere else."

Viola presses her dainty fingers to the edge of the door and peeks inside. I fold my arms over my chest and watch her from the corner of my eye. "Because you're in danger."

I grunt at her words. "More like preparing to cause damage."

"If that's what you want to call it," she mumbles under her breath.

"You don't know anything, Viola."

"Clearly," she narrows her eyes at me. "I know nothing, yet you continue to keep me here."

My tongue runs over my bottom lip to stop myself from saying something that will make this moment worse. "You have to stay here because if you run, you will risk your own life and the entirety of this pack who are trying to start new lives for themselves."

Viola pulls back and presses her spine into the doorway. "I hate being confined," she bites. "But now I've seen that there are hundreds of you here, if not more. I'm not going to put them at risk. If you need to stay hidden, then I'm not going to jeopardise that for myself. Even if I miss home."

I study my mate's expression and the sincerity of her words. It's obvious that she hates being here, but I didn't expect her to admit she won't put any of us at risk if it's what we need. I take one step closer to her and she cranks her neck to meet my eyes.

My hand raises and she flinches slightly, the sight sending my wolf into a murderous frenzy. I gently brush my finger across her plush cheek and listen as she takes a soft breath when I roll it down her jaw.

I focus on the action and the heavy sensations that burst through me at the connection. Viola's eyes close as I stroke her cheek once more and move closer to listen to her soft breaths.

"What will make you not miss home as much?" I lower my voice.

She snaps her gaze open to look at me and my finger pauses on her velvety skin. I don't want to pull away. I don't want to stop. Touching Viola is like touching a precious gemstone, she's delicate and dainty and I want to keep her in my pocket.

"What do you mean?" She frowns.

I clear my throat and tuck a piece of dark hair behind her ear. "What can I do to make you feel more settled here?"

Viola's breathing hitches, face bursting with a deep blush. "Not keep me in my room for starters."

"We can arrange that," I whisper and her eyes flutter–I can only imagine my voice is doing something to her wolf. "Can I get you anything else? Within reason, of course."

She chews on her lip with a deep-in-thought expression. I could watch the sight all day. Goddess, she's exquisite when she's not running her mouth. Her natural beauty physically shines and I wish she could strip her hair back to its sandy blonde instead of this darkness which makes her an imposter.

I watch her as she stares back at me like I've lost my mind.

"Are you joking...or are you being serious?"

"I don't joke, sweetness," I gently tug her earlobe which earns a hidden whimper.

Viola sucks in a breath as I finally drop my hand, instantly feeling the loss of her warm skin. "I like to paint," she nods. "I'm not very good, but it makes me feel at peace and I enjoy it. It gives me something to do."

"A little painter, huh?"

"Like I said, I'm not very good."

"What are you going to paint?"

"All the ways I wish to kill you." She shoots quickly.

I bark out a laugh which catches her by surprise. "Oh, to be in that imagination of yours, sweetness. What I wouldn't give."

Something simmers in her eyes and she straightens her spine. "Where is the rest of the tour?"

The corner of my lip tugs. "We'll get there," I smirk. "But I suppose you'd be interested in looking at our art room."

"Yes," she nods eagerly. "I'd like to see it."

I take a step back and beckon my head down the hall and towards the other end of the house. I press my hand to the room and step inside, letting her follow in behind me.

"Wow," she exhales as her brown eyes scan the room from floor to ceiling. "This place is incredible."

I stand back and fold my arms over my chest as she explores, her tiny fingers brushing the canvases and different selection of paint. I never come in here. I can't draw to save my life, but I know it keeps people entertained.

My wolf howls at the thought of our mate being content—maybe I am too.

How will I ever manage to get my powers if I don't try to get to know her? I might have broken her trust once and it's not going to be easy to get it back. But this feels like a step in the right direction.

"What do you think?" I ask.

Viola turns around to face me with the most earth-shattering smile I have ever seen. The entirety of her face is lit up with relief and happiness and it makes me pause for a moment. I can't take my eyes off her. I don't want to.

She's breathtaking.

I've never seen her smile like this...I've never seen her smile at all.

"I love it," she exhales. "I love it so much."

"Do you want to use it?"

"Can I?"

A heavy thump pounds in my chest at the way her face lights up and she continues to beam at me with that bright smile and teary eyes. "Yes," I nod once. "It's yours to use, sweetness."

Viola takes a sudden breath and turns back around. I study her as she roams the room and explores the art and the tightness of my heart increases. She's happy–for now. My wolf is crying at knowing we're responsible for that smile, even if I know deep down she hates me.

But we'll work on it.

I won't rest until I have her complete trust.

✧

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Author's Note

Are any of you warming up to Haze a little?🤣

I adore that Viola saw the art room and literally burst into happiness🥹

Haze is slowly slipping, neither of them won't be able to resist each other soon

What did you guys think of this chapter?👉🏼

The slow burn is burningggg but it's going to be so worth it!!

Don't forget to vote and comment! it makes my day ✨

Love Savanna x

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