Chapter 6 Don't give up on me

Magnus’s POV

I walked to her room. The door between our bedrooms opened.

Adira was sitting on the bed, lost in thought. She smiled as I walked in.

"I want you in my bed," I said.

Adira shook her head. "I..."

"Just sleep. I need to make sure you’re okay," I lied. The words came out more easily than I expected. I told myself it was to protect her, to help her trust me. Now I was starting to believe my own lies. But deep down, my wolf ached for her, and I struggled with the truth. I couldn’t admit that I wanted her close for myself, not just for her.

"Oh, yes, alpha," she said. "I’ll change first."

I turned and left, leaving the door open. She put on her pajama shorts and top, then walked into my bedroom.

"Go to bed, Adira," I said.

I caught her staring at me. I was wearing only boxers.

She took a deep breath and sat down on her side of the bed.

"Let me massage your foot. It needs circulation." I nodded.

It was still a little swollen. She started gently, and I tried to keep my wolf in check as her hands touched me. Keeping control was always a struggle. It meant holding back the animal side of myself, fighting the urge to give in to instinct and desire.

It felt good. I reached for her arm and pulled her closer. Her eyes met mine.

I kissed her. All I could think was that I wanted more. I wanted her.

My hands were touching her, and she was trembling.

I pulled away. "Why are you so scared?" I asked, my face stern.

"I... never did... this..."

I touched her face, and she closed her eyes.

"Feel my hands on you," I whispered, my lips brushing her neck.

Then I traced my hand over her breast, and her body relaxed into my arms. She feels it too...

"Mate," my wolf said.

My lips wound down her navel; she was glowing. What the fuck, I thought. Where is her wolf? Every shifter had one by now, especially at her age. Was she hiding it, or did she truly not have one? The question tormented me, stirring a new ache inside. Her missing wolf troubled me more than I wanted to admit.

I hovered over her, kissing her with need, and let my hand move between her legs. She let go, opening herself to me, and I moved inside her.

Her eyes opened, staring into mine.

I could barely control myself as my hands moved over her soft skin.

Her body was like fire beneath my hands. I felt her heat as she drew me in, and we lost ourselves together. My breath was warm against her lips as I kissed her.

"My beautiful Adira," I whispered. Her hand touched my face. She is taking my soul, I thought.

She fell asleep in my arms, but I couldn’t sleep.

"What is happening to me?" I asked my wolf.

Your mate, she is your mate, mate, Han said, all excited.

"She has no wolf, Han. I don’t know... I’m so attracted to her."

I finally fell asleep, only to wake up and see her putting on her pajamas and walking slowly out the door.

What the fuck? I quickly pulled on my pants, heart pounding, and hurried after Adira, limping as I went. She moved down the hall, barefoot and silent, her eyes wide but unfocused. Is she sleepwalking? I watched her step out the front door, completely unaware of anyone around her.

Outside, the northern lights shimmered above them, painting the ground in shifting bands of green and purple. Adira moved without hesitation, her nightclothes glowing under the strange sky. The closer she got to the lights, the more she seemed to glow herself, like the energy in the air was calling to her, drawing her forward with every step.

A twig snapped. I stepped off the path, grabbed Michael’s arm, and put a finger to my lips to signal him to stay quiet.

"Sleepwalking," I whispered, eyes never leaving Adira.

"Shhh, yes."

The lights above seemed to reach for her. Adira stopped, lifted her hand, and gently touched the air as if caressing something only she could see.

Suddenly, Michael sneezed. In an instant, Adira's head snapped around, her eyes still glassy, but her feet automatically turned her in a slow circle. She walked straight back the way she’d come, passing me and Michael without so much as a glance at them.

I hurried to her side and wrapped my arm around her protectively as she kept walking, unaware I was there.

I woke to sunlight in my eyes. Adira was gone. Panic hit me.

The door opened slowly, and she tiptoed inside.

"Adira, what time is it?"

Noon, Alpha, she said, standing there.

"Come here," I said, reaching out my hand.

She sat on the bed.

How are you feeling?

Her face turned red. Then her eyes met mine. "I’m fine, alpha."

I touched her face. Can you help me with my clothes? We saw each other naked...I smiled.

"You have a nice smile," she whispered.

"Oh, yeah?" She brought me my pants, and I pulled her onto my lap, then rolled on top of her. I couldn’t help myself. Her scent was addictive. I wanted her more and more. Han fought inside me. I tore her top and took her breast in my mouth. I hoped I didn’t scare her.

Her hand touched my back, and fire ignited inside me.

She looked so fragile.

Adira, I whispered, “What are you feeling?

"Fire," she whispered, "inside me."

Everything else faded away. It was just us, and I took my time.

Never felt this way with anyone, I thought as I held her in his arms, catching our breath.

"Alpha, may I suggest something?"

I nodded.

"Your foot needs ice baths and massages. You need to stay off it."

"Are you a doctor?" I asked.

No, I studied and got a scholarship to become a doctor.

"How old are you?"

"Eighteen," Adira said.

So, you want to go back now? I asked her.

"No, but I think you’re being unfair,"

"You share my bed and think you know me?"

My wolf growled. Stop. You’re scaring her. Stop it.

Adira shook her head. "I’m sorry, alpha," she said, grabbing her pajamas and running to the bathroom.

Fuck, I chase everyone away, I thought. I have to. I can’t show weakness.

She came out of the bathroom and helped me get dressed, not saying a word the whole day.

My phone rang.

"What do you want?"

Our alpha died. I thought maybe you’ll allow my daughter to attend the ceremony?

"He’s not her father. No, I won’t allow it." Then I hung up.

"The alpha of your pack died," I told her, watching her reaction.

She didn’t even blink. I was being very cruel to her. Han was angry with me.

Does she hate me now? Don’t give up on me, Adira....