Jerome couldn't sleep that night. Every time she closed her eyes, Aiden's words echoed in her mind. I always get what I want. His dark gaze, filled with dangerous intent, haunted her. She tossed and turned in bed, feeling the weight of both Ian's protectiveness and Aiden's looming presence. It was as if a storm was brewing, and she was caught in the middle.
Beside her, Ian lay still, his breathing even and deep. Yet, she could sense the tension within him, even in sleep. His grip on her had been tighter than usual, his need to keep her close almost suffocating. He was trying to protect her, but in doing so, he was losing control of himself. And she could feel it.
Jerome slipped out of bed as quietly as she could, not wanting to wake him. She needed space, a moment to think clearly without Ian's intense presence clouding her thoughts. Wrapping a blanket around herself, she stepped out onto the balcony, the cold night air biting at her skin.
The forest stretched out before her, the dark trees whispering in the wind. Somewhere out there, she knew Aiden was lurking, waiting, watching. Her heart raced as she thought of him, the danger he posed not just to her, but to Ian as well.
Aiden's words had planted seeds of doubt, but Jerome didn't want to believe them. She didn't want to question Ian's love, even if it sometimes felt like a prison. But was she truly safe? Or had she become just another pawn in this dangerous game between two powerful alphas?
A soft creak behind her made her jump, and she spun around to see Ian standing in the doorway, his eyes filled with concern. "Why are you out here?" he asked, his voice husky with sleep.
Jerome wrapped the blanket tighter around herself, not meeting his gaze. "I couldn't sleep."
Ian stepped onto the balcony, his presence immediately overwhelming her. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Is it because of him?" His voice was low, and Jerome could hear the anger simmering beneath the surface.
She hesitated before nodding. "He's not going to stop, is he?"
Ian's jaw clenched, and his golden eyes darkened. "No, he won't. But I won't let him touch you. You're mine, Jerome. I'll kill him before I let him take you away from me."
Jerome's heart ached at the possessiveness in his words. She didn't doubt that Ian would do anything to protect her, but his obsession was beginning to suffocate her. She needed more than just his protection. She needed freedom, space to breathe.
"Ian," she said softly, turning to face him fully, "I don't want to live in fear. I don't want to feel trapped between you and Aiden. This...this isn't how love should feel."
Ian's eyes softened, but the storm still brewed behind them. "I know," he whispered, stepping closer to her. "But you have to understand, Jerome. I can't lose you. Not to him. Not to anyone."
Jerome looked up at him, her heart torn. She wanted to believe that they could find a way out of this, that Ian's love could be enough without the suffocating control. But as Aiden's presence grew stronger, she feared that Ian's obsession would only grow darker.
"I don't want to lose you either," she whispered, her voice trembling. "But I need you to trust me. To give me space. Otherwise, we'll destroy each other."
Ian's hands cupped her face, his touch surprisingly gentle despite the fierce intensity in his gaze. "I'll try," he promised, though Jerome could hear the uncertainty in his voice. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly, as if afraid she would slip away at any moment.
Jerome closed her eyes, resting her head against his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat. She wanted to believe him, wanted to believe that they could find a way to make this work. But with Aiden's looming threat and Ian's possessiveness tightening its grip, she wasn't sure how much longer they could hold on before everything fell apart.
The night stretched on, the wind whispering through the trees, carrying with it the promise of the storm to come.
To be continued...