Chapter Three: The first encounter

Nathaniel's POV

I didn’t want to knock but I did.

Knocking implied courtesy and permission which I didn't need.

I stood outside Iris Moore’s apartment door for exactly three minutes before she opened it herself. The moment our eyes meet, something inside my chest snapped.

A familiar feeling of longing and pain. A feeling of relief enough to expand my lungs fully for the first time in days. Enough that my spine straightens, my pulse steadies, my body recognizes what it had been starving for.

Her.

She was smaller up close. Dressed in an oversized sweater that slipped off one shoulder, revealing her pale skin that made my fingers itch to touch. Her hair was loose in the most beautiful way.

Human.

And yet… not.

Her eyes widen just enough to reveal how scared and curious she was. And something else she couldn't understand yet but felt all the same.

Good.

“Iris Moore,” I said calmly.

She tightened her grip on the door. “Who are you?”

Her voice wasn't weak instead it was defensive. A woman who had learned how to protect herself with words when nothing else works.

“My name is Nathaniel Crowe.”

I watch her face carefully. It was filled with confusion not recognition. Seemed she didn't know who I was even in her world.

“I didn’t invite you,” she said.

“I know.”

I took a single step closer. She didn't retreat but her breath stuttered, and I felt it like a pulse through the bond.

“You shouldn’t be here,” she added.

“And yet,” I replied quietly, “you opened the door for me.”

Her jaw tightened. “That doesn’t mean anything.”

“It means everything, dollface.”

Iris tried slamming slam the door right in my face but I stopped it with one hand.

Not forcefully. Not violently.

Just enough to make my point.

Her eyes snapped up to mine with anger flashing in them. “Let go.”

I leaned in “You know you should be careful who you order around.”

“Why are you here?” she demanded.

“Because you’re in danger.”

She laughed disbelieving. “Let me guess. You’re the knight in shining armor here to save me, the princess.”

“Nice way to put it but I don’t save people,” I said. “I protect what’s mine.”

The words came out before I could even stop them.

She stiffened. “I don’t belong to you.”

Not yet.

“You’re behind on rent,” I continued, watching her carefully. “Your mother’s medical bills are overdue. And your job can barely cover your basic amenities.”

Her face was drained of color.

“How do you know that?” she whispered.

“I know a great many things.”

Her gaze flicked over my shoulder, down the hallway, like she was calculating escape routes which was smart. 

Survival instinct intact.

“You’ve been watching me,” she said.

“Yes.”

The honesty seemed to unsettle her more than a lie would have.

“That’s creepy,” she muttered.

“Accurate,” I agreed.

She swallowed hard. “You need to leave.”

I stepped fully into her space now. I was close enough that I could smell her warm skin filled with faint soap, something uniquely hers that makes my blood heat.

She didn't step back, her body betrayed her even as her mind resisted.

“Tell me,” I murmured “did you feel it?”

Her brows knitted together. “What are you talking about? Feel what?”

“Outside the cafe,” I said. “When you laughed, and then suddenly stopped.”

Her lips parted, I could see the memory flash through her eyes.

“You didn’t imagine it,” I continued. “That pull. That awareness.”

Her voice was barely audible. “What are you?”

The question sent a ripple through me. I lifted my hand slowly, stopping just below her chin. I didn't touch her but I knew she wanted my touch.

“Someone who can keep you alive,” I said.

“From what?” she asked.

“From the people who won’t knock,” I replied.

She hesitated, then took a step back, allowing me to step inside not because she trusted me.

Because something deeper was pulling her.

The apartment was small, modest and not luxurious. It smells like cheap detergent and exhaustion.

She folded her arms over her chest. “ Just say what you came to say.”

I turned to face her, studying her properly now. The way she stood her ground despite fear. The way her eyes tracked every movement I make.

“You’re being watched,” I told her. “but not just by me.”

“That’s not comforting.”

“It’s honest.”

“And what do you want?” she asked.

I didn't need to beat around the bush.

“You.”

“Excuse me?” she asked with hers widened.

“Not like that,” I said, though my gaze lingered long enough to contradict me. “At least, not yet.”

She scoffed. “You think money gives you the right to talk to me like that?”

“I think reality gives me the right,” I replied calmly. “And reality says you’re running out of options.”

“I don’t need your help.” she said with her chin lifted up.

“No,” I agreed “You need my protection.”

“And what’s the price?” she challenged.

I stepped closer again, lowering my voice until only her could hear it.

“Your cooperation,” I said. “And your trust.”

My fingers finally lifted her chin, forcing her to look at me.

“And eventually,” I added softly, “your obedience.”

“I don’t belong to anyone,” she said.

The words spark something dark and possessive inside me.

“Yes, you will, to me” I replied.

She looked at me with desires in her eyes and quickly ignored it.

“You’re insane,” she whispered.

“Perhaps,” I conceded “But I’m also the reason you’ll still be breathing in a month.”

“Why me?”

Because you cursed me.

Because you’re my anchor.

Because my life depends on you.

But instead, i replied with “Because you’re mine.”

I released her chin and took a step back, giving her space she didnt ask for.

“I’ll be in touch,” I said. “Soon.”

She swallowed. “And if I say no?”

I met her gaze, letting the truth show.

“You won’t,” I replied.“You can feel it too.”

And that she couldn

't deny it.

As I turned to leave, I paused before opening the door.

“Oh, Iris?” I added.

That made her look up at me.

“You belong with me.”

That I didnt have to explain.