Azimir laid down on his bed and stared at the intricate designs on the ceiling. Even though the design and the paintings were extraordinarily beautiful with eye-catching strikes and colors, his mind was elsewhere.
Since the time they had returned from the jungle, he had been unable to erase Aylin's blushing and red face from his mind. It was as though her face had been carved in his mind, occupying his thoughts and notions. Even when he had his eyes closed, all he was could see was the formidable Commander, and Azimir was having a hard time controlling himself and his heart.
A sigh escaped his lips and he placed his hands below his head. His sterling grey eyes kept blinking as he lost himself in Aylin's thoughts. Fatigue washed over him as he felt the comfortable bed underneath him. But he was far from falling asleep. All he had in mind was Aylin and her gentle yet commanding presence.
Azimir did not know why but he wanted to see her again, though it had only been less than an hour since they last saw each other.
'Go to her. Do not stop yourself if you want to see her.' His heart spoke to him.
'Do not do anything reckless, Azimir. She might not like it.' His mind warned him.
'Azimir, listen to me and follow me. You are attracted to her. Go and meet her. It is evident that she too is attracted to you. Did you not see the way she was affected in your presence and closeness when you were in the jungle?'
Azimir did not wait another moment. His desire to see her again clouded his rationality and he got out of his bed, his long legs rushing in the direction his guests were housed in his castle during their stay in Ideni.
His sudden appearance startled the guards who were guarding the wing where the guests were staying at. But immediately after, they composed themselves and bowed at him, surprised on seeing him hurry past them without acknowledging their bow.
Azimir did not care about the guards who were staring at him with a stunned expression. He was desperate to see Aylin and he followed the path that led to Aylin's room.
There was no one around and even if there were, it would not have stopped Azimir. He reached Aylin's room quickly. However, all his excitement vanished when he stood in front of the door. Nervousness filled him and his palm turned clammy, sweat adorning his forehead.
He clenched his fists tight as he stared at the door. Taking a deep breath, he knocked at it and waited for Aylin's voice. But all he got was silence. There was no response from the other side. A frown made its way on his forehead and he knocked again, only to meet the same result.
However, this time, the door opened a little due to the force he had exerted and Azimir stood still wondering if he had crossed a line.
'This is wrong. I cannot enter her room without her permission even if the door is open.' Suppressing his desire to see her, Azimir forced himself to take a step back. He was just about to turn around and leave when he heard a groan from inside, making him halt in his place.
'Was that not Aylin's voice? What happened to her? Is she in pain?' He wondered and fear filled him as soon as the notion hit him.
Without wasting another moment, he opened the door completely and entered the room, only to stop again in shock.
Aylin had her back facing him and he could see her ivory skin. Although she was still half-clad, with her white undergarments covering her upper half, he could still see her exposed shoulders and Azimir gulped. He clenched his fists that were itching to touch her smooth skin and his eyes darkened in desire.
'Azimir, this is wrong. Leave the room right now.' His mind cautioned him and Azimir came out of his stupor, regretting his unruly thoughts. He turned around hastily to leave the room.
However, the next instant, he heard Aylin groan again and this time, it was louder and filled with pain. His heart skipped a beat in worry and he could not help but take a glance, only to notice her wounds on her shoulder. It was ghastly and horrid against her fair skin.
Azimir's previous thoughts vanished after seeing the claw marks on her body and his eyes narrowed when he recalled the state he had found her and her warriors in the previous night. If not for his intervention, he was sure that his pack members would have killed her and the other humans without any mercy.
Though he did not know how she was injured, he could not help but feel guilty. The claw marks on her body reminded him of the wolf that had lunged towards her to bite her neck, and Azimir saw red, wishing to kill the insolent and puny wolf for even thinking of hurting her.
But first, he had to tend to the girl who was struggling to apply medicine on her shoulders and her back.
Taking a deep breath, he approached her, this time, only intending to help her.
"Let me help you." His hoarse voice startled Aylin and she froze in her spot. Swiftly, she pulled up her black blouse and turned to him, appalled by Azimir's sudden presence.
"Why are you here, Alpha?" She covered herself quickly and moved back, keeping a distance from him, which dishearted Azimir all the more.
"I was here to meet you, Commander. But then, I heard your voice and the door was open." He reasoned and Aylin immediately looked at the now open door.
'How did I forget to close the door? Did he see...?' Aylin's eyes widened in horror and she shook her head at the thought. 'No..no...He would not have... he could not have...' But she was not certain as to what had happened.
Aylin reprimanded herself for her ignorance and she clutched her blouse tight avoiding Azimir's piercing gaze.
"Let me help you dress your wounds." He stated again and Aylin's eyes drifted towards him at once.
"I am fine, Alpha. Thank you."
Her rejection did not faze Azimir and he stood still as he took the apothecary jar from her.
"But...but..." Aylin tried to protest. But no words came to her mind and she stared at the man in a daze.
"You are injured, Commander. Let me help you."
"I am fine, Alpha." She attempted to brush him off again, only to find him giving her an unimpressed look.
"You are injured because of my people. Though I cannot do anything about it, let me at least help you apply the medicine before your wounds get infected."
Azimir persisted and gave her a pleading look, one which Aylin could not ignore. She was already losing her ability to think in his presence and his dejected look and pitiful voice only served to break her resolve against him.
"Please," Azimir begged again and Aylin's control on her own heart snapped immediately.