I held my breath.
And just like that, Caden led me away from Ivy, away from the Chaos and I walked robotically beside him, not daring a glance back at Ivy. As we walked down the corridor, I couldn't help but feel the weight of Ivy's anger on me, I couldn't help but feel scared.
He walked down the corridor and held the door to my room open, he stepped on after me and shut the door. I could feel his eyes on me as I stepped inside and then we stood there, staring at ourselves.
After a minute of silence, he spoke up" Are you okay?" He asked, his voice softer and filled with concern.
I nodded slowly but I wasn't so sure if I was okay and if I would be okay, "I guess I am ..that was quite a lot"
Caden sighed and shoved his hands into his trousers pocket," Indeed. She doesn't handle things well and it's a handle full. I just want to apologize about what happened down there, Emerald. I'm sorry you had to witness that"
I shrugged, "It's fine. I don't mind; it's not like I had a choice back there, "I said and rubbed my arms, not wanting to sound like I was complaining.
He sighed, "That was Ivy and she's ...my mate"
My eyes widened and I wondered why I hadn't suspected that from all the argument downstairs, "Your mate?... I'm sorry, I didn't —"
He nodded as if knowing what I had wanted to say, "It's fine; you were not aware, but we haven't joined yet, so she's just….Ivy.You know, I didn't want to get into this, but the truth is that Ivy and I were promised to each other's parents when we were much younger. My father and her father, along with the Pack elders arranged it."
"Oh...that's a lot. I'm sorry about all that, "I told him, my voice low and distant, and I didn't know why I was suddenly feeling jealous.
Snap out of it!
"I'm not even in love with her, but somehow I have to fulfill the Pack's wise and ...my father's dying wish and join with her."He said, "I've never felt anything for her and she's been pushing all this from day one"
I nodded and looked down at my hands, I didn't know what to say. This wasn't my pack but back at mine, I knew an Alpha had the right to choose the mate of his choice and also reject any which had been gifted to him—like me.
His gaze softened as he stared at me and I saw vulnerability in his eyes for the first time."Nothing like this will happen again, Emerald. I've put you through a lot and I won't let it happen again. You deserve better and better, I will assure you, Emerald, for as long as you stay here."
His words were so gentle and affectionate that they seemed to ripple something hidden in my heart. For a moment, I didn't know what to say to him; I didn't know whether to smile at his words or be. I felt special, and I seemed so strange, felt so strange.
But with all the warmth I felt at his words, I knew I was only hearing because of the pregnancy; I was here not because I wanted to but because I made a mistake.
Before I could think of what to say, he took a step closer to me, and his hands reached around me and drew me into a hug. My eyes widened as my head came to rest on his chest, and my hands fell loosely at my sides while he wrapped around me.
"Emerald, I'm sorry for everything I've put you through, "He said, a warm whisper against my ear that made me shiver, "I'm sorry for everything I've caused you, you don't deserve Ivy's harsh words back there"
I didn't move; his big was rather too sudden and unexpected, and yet it felt so natural and comforting. I couldn't even remember when someone hugged me or did as much as came this close to me.
I struggled to control the swirl of emotions rising inside of me. I drew him the rich, masculine scent of him, and I acknowledged that he smelled like cedar and a sweet-smelling incense at the temples.
After some seconds, he drew away from me and my chest tightened. I didn't know how to feel, but I lowered my head, afraid that he might see the emotions in my eyes if I dared look up at him.
He looked at me, "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to …"His voice trailed off and he bit his lips.
"No, it's fine, "I said rather quickly and I stepped back, "I guess I'm tired, it's a bit too early and I need to ...freshen up or something"
He nodded and I saw something in his eyes, a kind of look that held so much understanding. He looked around my room and nodded again as if pleased with the fact that I was comfortable in the not-too-large but comfortable room.
What was important was that I was living like a short-term princess.
"Alright. I'll leave you to rest, I'll check on you later. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to let me know," He said, his voice calm and soothing, and it made me feel special.
He turned back to the door, and I watched him leave, and the door clicked shut behind him. I stood there, staring at the door, and hugged myself tightly. I sighed and walked to my bed, I sat at the edge and thought about everything that had happened.
The hug. His soft words. His apologies.
I tried to stop myself, but I could feel that rush of emotion bubbling inside me, and the one thing I was afraid of jammed into my chest.
I was feeling something for the Alpha.