Destroy My Life In You
Chapter 91: Under the Starry Night[II]

Chapter 91: Under the Starry Night[II]

Alaric’s eyes gleamed with something dark. Yes, they were mates. She was his, only his. The thought excited him and as for the reason why, he didn’t know and was probably too deeply immersed to think of anyhting apart from her. He just felt a desperate need to have her.

He scrutinised the small being in his arms, utterly captivated. She was fragile and so delicate that he almost feared he could break her with the slightest wrong move. And yet, she held an invisible power over him. A power that neither logic nor reason could explain.

This tiny wolf, this woman had managed to stir something deep within him. He had lived through centuries, witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms, but never had he experienced a desire so consuming. Whether it was the mate bond or something else entirely, he didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was keeping her by his side.

It was dangerous, this feeling. Dangerous because he was a King. Dangerous because she was his mate and just her presence made him vulnerable. But he didn’t resent it, rather he wanted to be like an open book to her, let her explore every part of him.

A subtle smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he lost himself in these thoughts, but the feeling of her gaze on him pulled him back to the present. Alaric looked down, meeting her eyes.

Curiosity burned in those soft depths, and the moment her lips parted, his entire focus narrowed on her voice.

"Have you been the one following me?" Astrid asked softly, searching his face for answers.

Alaric felt something unfamiliar creep into his chest; embarrassment. He had never been one to hesitate in his actions, never one to regret his decisions. But now, under her questioning gaze, he found himself almost hesitant. Almost. Still, he nodded with a— "Yes."

Astrid bit her lower lip, her fingers curling slightly at her sides. Then, in a voice even softer than before, she asked, "Why?"

Alaric chuckled lightly, the sound deep and smooth. "I wanted to talk to you," he admitted. "But I didn’t know what to say." It was true. Thankfully no one else would ever get to hear of this or it would be a great embarrassment. The infamous Vampire King stalking his mate for days because he was scared to talk to her. How laughable!!!

Astrid’s brows lifted slightly, surprised by his honesty. She nodded, understanding his reasoning more than she expected. Neither would she have the courage to approach someone let alone start up a conversation. He was... the King! Astrid had almost forgotten about it in that fleeting moment. Her gaze lowered, and the small comfort she had found in their conversation slipped away.

She shifted in his arms, freeing herself from his grasp. The warmth of her body was gone in an instant, and Alaric immediately felt its absence.

"We shouldn’t," she murmured, an emptiness forming inside her.

Alaric’s brows drew together. "Shouldn’t what?"

Astrid took a small step back, fingers gripping the sides her dress. "You’re a King," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I’m just a lowly werewolf." She hesitated, inhaling deeply before adding, "It wouldn’t be good for your reputation."

Silence fell between them. Alaric didn’t speak immediately, his face unreadable. Astrid dared to raise her gaze, expecting... she didn’t know what. Anger? Indifference? But what she saw instead was something entirely different.

His expression was blank, his eyes an ocean of unreadable emotions.

Then, after a long moment, he spoke. "You should know better than that, love," Alaric said quietly. "You’re nothing near to a lowly werewolf."

Astrid’s breath pasued at his words, a cold realization washed over her. He had seen her during the night of her first shift. He knew exactly what she was. Panic surged in her chest. If he knew, then it meant her secret was no longer safe. If anyone else found out... Her brothers.

Her entire body tensed with fear. She couldn’t let anything happen to her brothers. The image of her parent’s lifeless bodies replayed in her head, making her shiver terribly.

Bowing deeply before him, Astrid’s voice trembled as she said, "I must go."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her legs moving faster with every step. The only thought in her mind was to put distance between herself and him before things spiraled further out of her control.

But before she could take more than a few strides, a sudden gust of wind swept past her. And there he was. Standing in front of her, blocking her path, his presence overwhelming.

Alaric didn’t speak immediately. He simply reached out, slowly, and took her wrist. His touch was gentle, as he guided her shaky hand to his cheek.

Astrid’s heart pounded, but she didn’t resist.

Then, in a voice filled with certainty, he said, "I don’t care what you are." His golden eyes bore into hers, unwavering. "All that matters is that you’re my mate."

Something in his tone, in his expression, in his very presence made her believe him. It was foolish, and perhaps reckless too. But she believed him.

Still, doubt lingered in the back of her mind. She hesitated, then whispered, "Even if... what about others? What will they say?"

She didn’t want anyone knowing she was the Primal Alpha. She had spent months hiding, avoiding attention, and protecting her dearest brothers. If the truth came out, she would be hunted and they would also be at risk.

Astrid swallowed hard, then, in a barely audible voice, asked, "Would you... accept me without announcing what I am?" The words felt fragile and vulnerable. She didn’t dare hope for anything.

Alaric’s response, however, was immediate. "Yes." He squeezed her hand gently, his grip reassuring. "As you said earlier, I am the King," he reminded her, his voice steady. "No one dares question my decisions. So don’t worry, alright?"

Astrid bit her lip, struggling with the emotions swirling within her. The certainty in his words, the quiet but unwavering confidence, it was something she had never experienced before. Slowly, she nodded. "Alright..."

Alaric’s lips curled into a faint smile, satisfaction flickering in his eyes. He held her hand a little tighter, as if silently vowing never to let go.

After a moment of comfortable silence between them, he whispered, "May I walk you home, my land?"

Astrid blinked at him, caught off guard by the gentle request. But, after a moment, she nodded. "Yes."

Alaric continued holding her hand as they began walking, his thumb brushing over her skin absentmindedly.

Astrid felt warmth spread through her chest, gradually accepting the foreign feeling. It felt so right that she had no intention of running anymore. She lowered her gaze, unable to stop the small smile forming on her lips.

A beautiful silence filled the space between them. Not uncomfortable, not awkward, but peaceful. And as they walked, their heartbeats synchronized, dancing in harmony beneath the starry sky.

The walk to Astrid’s home was quiet, yet neither of them minded. Alaric stole a glance at Astrid, taking in her delicate features. Her innocent eyes that blinked time to time. He watched as her fingers gently curled in his grasp, her warmth seeping into his cold skin.

But as they neared her home, the air between them shifted. Astrid slowed her steps, hesitating just a few meters away from the wooden cottage. A soft light flickered inside, barely visible through the windows.

Astrid lowered her gaze to their entwined hands, reluctant to let go. The heat of his palm against hers was something she had quickly grown attached to, but reality came crashing back.

She hesitated for a moment before slowly slipping her fingers away, immediately missing his touch the moment the warmth disappeared.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice laced with quiet sincerity.

Alaric nodded, his golden eyes never leaving her face. A smile tugged at his lips, soft and rare, one that only she could bring out.

Astrid fidgeted slightly, pointing toward the cottage. "I... I should go in." Her words were barely above a whisper, as if she, too, was reluctant to part ways.

Alaric’s jaw clenched, his instinct screaming at him to stop her. He wanted to tell her to stay, to talk to him just a little longer, but he knew she needed to rest. And so, even as it pained him, he simply nodded in response.

They gazed at each other in silence, an invisible pull keeping them locked in place.

Then, Astrid took a step back. Then another. But just as she was about to take her third, his fingers wrapped around her wrist, making her halt.

Slowly, she turned back toward him, her heart hammering wildly in her chest. Her breath hitched when she realized how close he was, his towering frame mere inches from hers.

Alaric’s grip on her wrist was gentle, his thumb lightly brushing against her pulse point teasingly. His dark eyes burned with something unreadable. He took a slow step forward, closing the remaining space between them.

Astrid couldn’t move. Her body refused to listen to reason as her eyes locked onto his lips, her breath coming in soft, uneven puffs.

Then, after a moment of tense silence, he leaned over. His lips barely brushed against hers, so light and teasing, as if waiting for her to stop him but she didn’t.

Just as he was about to deepen the kiss—

"Sister Astrid!"

Two little voices rang through the air, breaking the moment in an instant.

"Sister Astrid!"

Astrid flinched, eyes widening, while Alaric tensed, his expression instantly shifting back to one of unreadable calm.

The door to the cottage burst open, and two small figures came rushing out, their excited footsteps pounding against the wooden porch.

Astrid barely had time to step away before tiny arms wrapped around her legs.

"Sister, you’re back!"

"Sister, we missed you!"

Little Zeke and Seth informed, hugging dress happily.

Astrid let out a soft awkwardchuckle, her heart still racing from the almost-kiss. She looked down, meeting the wide, bright eyes of her younger brothers.

Alaric straightened, stepping back slightly, his face returning to its usual impassive state.

Astrid glanced at him, unsure of what to say, but before she could speak, the all time grumpy Luke came out of the cottage, his eyes directing falling on the tall figure.

His little mouth fell open as he asked coldly, "Who’s that?"