Chapter 23: Chapter 23

"Are you okay?" The first question Aurel poses to me makes me look at her with a questioning expression. She hasn't moved from her spot; she remains at the doorway, hesitant to approach me. It seems I have to be the one to bridge the gap, so I start taking steps toward her.

"Are you okay?" The question comes again from Aurel, causing me to pause in my steps.

"Yes, I'm okay. Can't you see me standing right in front of you?" I reply, making Aurel blink a few times. She then lets out a relieved sigh. I don't know what she's feeling or what nightmare she's experienced, but right now, she's trying to appear composed while holding her chest.

"Are you okay, though? Did you have another bad experience?" I inquire, causing Aurel to shake her head.

"I'm just anxious," she answers, once again rendering me speechless. I'm not sure what's going on in her mind.

"What are you worried about? Haven't I already reassured you that everything will be fine?" I respond, but once again, Aurel shakes her head.

"I'm not worried about myself."

"Then?" I ask.

"I'm worried about you," Aurel's answer comes out like a whisper, but it's clear enough for me to hear. Her simple words cause my heart to race faster. I try to smile, attempting to calm the stranger who has been occupying my thoughts lately.

"Shouldn't I be the one worrying? A little while ago, you were trembling in fear. And now, you're concerned about someone else?" I say, to which Aurel nods. I continue my steps toward her, extending my hand in the hope that she'll take it. She looks at my outstretched hand in silence, and without me expecting it, she actually reaches for it. I feel her small, cold hand in mine.

I pull her gently towards me, inviting her into my room, into my personal space, and perhaps even into my heart and mind. I turn and close the door behind us. I don't want anyone else interrupting our conversation, especially with Brenda and Rex out there.

"Did you have a bad dream about me?" I ask in front of Aurel. Our proximity allows me to clearly catch her scent, and for some reason, it's not enough for me. I want to inhale it more deeply, press my nose against her neck, feel the pulsing of her veins, and maybe even take a sip like a desperately thirsty dog.

"I didn't have any bad dreams after dreaming about those monsters," Aurel answers, not even returning the intense gaze I'm giving her. She just stares at her own fingers resting on my arm, while my hand at her waist gently pulls her closer.

"Your voice is too soft; I can't hear it. Come closer," I say, narrowing the distance between us.

"I didn't dream about you," she answers, and once again, her words leave me speechless, waiting for her to continue.

"I don't know why, but suddenly I woke up, and the first thing that crossed my mind was you," Aurel answers softly, looking up and meeting my gaze. Our eyes lock, and I find myself staring into her beautiful brown irises. Earlier, I thought the woman in my embrace was someone who wouldn't have anything to captivate me. But for some reason, just catching a whiff of her scent sets my entire body on edge. I'm going crazy trying to restrain myself from holding her too tightly. I'm afraid of hurting her.

"Why would you think like that?" I reply without breaking our eye contact.

"I don't know. I couldn't think of anything else. When I woke up, I immediately looked for you, and for some reason, my heart led me to this room," Aurel responds, giving me insight into the expression she had on her face when she opened the door and looked at me. She was worried and concerned for me.

"You're worrying about the wrong person, Aurel," I say, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. Her face still looks cold and pale.

"I know there's no danger that can come near me, but I also can't deny what I'm feeling. It's like I'm drawn to something that compels me to see you with my own eyes, to ensure that you're truly okay. I don't know why I suddenly have these feelings," Aurel says, reinforcing the notion that there's something between us.

"Actually, a while ago, I did feel pain," I reply, finally revealing the truth to her. I see a crease form on her forehead.

"Are you hurt? Injured?" Aurel asks, studying my face and body. Her hand reaches out, and when her small hand makes contact with my skin, I stop her. I don't let her hand move away from me.

"Yes, I'm hurt, but I don't know where the injury is. I just kept feeling like a thousand knives were stabbing me with great force," I explain, making Aurel peer at me with a puzzled expression.

"So, are you okay now?" She asks, her concerned expression still present. I give her a faint smile, and from somewhere deep within me, I'm filled with the urge to hug her tightly. I struggle to suppress this desire; I'm afraid of causing her harm.

"I think I'll be okay if you help me," I say, this time unable to restrain myself from pulling her into my embrace. I draw her close, pressing her body against mine, and bringing my face closer to the curve of her neck. I can smell her scent strongly, the faint aroma that Simon had noticed before, now distinct and clear.

"What can I do to help?" Aurel asks.

"Just stay like this," I reply. Aurel falls silent, unsure of what to say. I've said what I meant—I just want to hold her. Slowly, my racing heart starts to calm down. The pain that was stabbing me as if by a thousand knives slowly subsides.

"Are you sure this will be enough for you to be okay?" she asks, still skeptical of my words. I respond with a murmured reassurance. Once again, she falls quiet, allowing me to hold her. But suddenly, the door behind me swings open. I haven't even had the chance to release my embrace on Aurel when I'm forcefully pulled back.

Rex's damn strength leaves me powerless, especially considering my body isn't fully healed yet. I'm flung backwards, hitting the closet behind me with considerable force. I wince as my shoulder takes the impact, and I hear Aurel scream and turn her gaze towards Rex.

"Rex, what are you doing?" Aurel asks, while I try to push myself up to sit again. I see Rex immediately pulling Aurel away as she attempts to get closer to me.

"What are you two doing?" Rex questions, his anger evident in his gaze as he looks at Aurel.

"You don't need to scold him. I'm the one who wanted to hug him," I say, attempting to hold my shoulder while feeling the pain. If Aurel weren't here, I would have changed into my original form. Rex is being too arbitrary and disregarding my status.

"He's not well, Rex, and I was just trying to help him," Aurel answers, causing Rex to turn his gaze towards me.

"What did I really do to Aurel?" I receive a PackLink from Rex, as if he doesn't want his words to be heard by Aurel.

"Just as Aurel said, I was only asking for his help," I reply directly instead of using the PackLink, so that Aurel can hear what he wants to know.

"By hugging him like earlier? Cut the nonsense," Rex retorts, making me shrug nonchalantly. Aurel releases Rex's grip on her arm and speaks up.

"What Gray said is true. Besides, he didn't force me. I wanted to help him," Aurel responds, causing Rex to look at her questioningly. He falls silent for a moment before speaking again.

"It seems like you're feeling better. Let's go home. The situation around our house is safe now," Rex says, lifting Aurel, but I can't let that happen.

"Haven't I told you that Aurel can stay here for a few more days until it's truly safe? We don't know what might happen next," I remark, but seeing Rex's tense jaw, I know he won't agree with my idea.

"I can take care of her on my own," he says, grabbing Aurel's hand and attempting to drag her away. Aurel winces as Rex's strength overwhelms her. Without thinking, I reach out and grip Rex's shoulder tightly, locking eyes with his dark gaze.

"If you try to fight me right now, I can do anything in front of Aurel. I've already told you I won't hurt her. So, don't force her. Let Aurel decide whether she'll stay here or go with you," I warn him through a PackLink, hoping he won't make a rash decision. He also doesn't want everything to appear chaotic in front of Aurel, does he? Finally, Rex releases his grip on Aurel, then turns to look at her.

"Now, the decision is yours. Will you go back with me or stay here? I'll make sure everything will be fine. Besides, your mother has been asking about your whereabouts. I've been telling her you're at Jeni's place," Rex explains, making Aurel glance briefly at me. It seems she can't refuse her cousin's request either.

"Alright, but at least let me say something to Gray and Miss Brenda. We can't just leave the house like this after they've taken me in for a while," Aurel says, finally getting Rex to allow her to do what she wants.