Chapter 16

*Hazel*

 Beta Shane stopped suddenly, and that was when I truly saw him. It was like a force had pulled my gaze, my eyes locked onto him, unable to move even if I wanted to. His presence was magnetic, almost overwhelming, and I felt my entire body lean toward him without my conscious control. His pupils were a deep, sparkling green, sharp yet carrying an unfathomable depth. There was meaning in them, a pull that was both alluring and addictive, and I found myself drowning in that gaze.

 His jawline was strong and clean, sculpted with such precision that it gave his face an air of firmness and quiet authority. Every feature on his face seemed perfectly balanced, striking in its symmetry, as though God had taken extra care crafting him. Even in the dim light, I could see the contours of his face etched clearly, each line and shadow enhancing his natural allure. As he inched closer, the scent of him reached me—intoxicating, rich, and almost unbearable in its pull. It was addictive, the kind of fragrance that clings to your mind and refuses to leave. I inhaled instinctively, unable to resist, and felt a shiver run down my spine.

 I realized then that I was moving closer to him without even thinking about it. My body seemed to act on its own accord, drawn to him like a magnet. He reached out, his hands soft yet firm as they rested on my waist. The sparks I thought had long since died ignited instantly, electricity running through me at his touch. He took my hands in his, guiding me forward as we walked toward an unknown destination. I couldn’t take my eyes off him through the entire journey. Every step, every subtle movement of his, held me captive, and I felt a fluttering in my chest I couldn’t explain.

 Finally, he stopped in front of a dark, nondescript building. The shadows did little to hide him; he stood out like a figure carved from the night itself. He held me by the waist once again, his touch grounding me even as my heart raced.

 “Hazel…” he muttered softly, and just hearing his deep, velvety voice sent a jolt of warmth straight through me. I couldn’t respond with words; I could only stay lost in his gaze, tracing every detail of his face. His eyelashes were long and thick, casting shadows that made his green eyes appear even more hypnotic. Every second I looked at him, I became more captivated, more entranced, and I realized I didn’t even need to know him fully to feel this pull.

 “Did you want to go inside with me?” His voice was low, almost a whisper, carrying a calm assurance that made me feel unexpectedly safe. There was no threat in his tone, no hidden malice. Instead, it was soothing, protective—like he could shield me from anything. My instincts, wild and cautious as they usually were, told me I could trust him, and with a slow nod, I agreed.

 He held my hand, and together we stepped into the building. The air inside was cool, slightly musty, and dimly lit, yet I barely noticed my surroundings. My focus remained entirely on him—the way he moved, the subtle power in his posture, and the quiet intensity of his presence. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Every nerve in my body hummed with anticipation, and I realized that something inside me had shifted.

 In that moment, the world outside ceased to exist. There was only him, only the electricity that sparked whenever our hands touched, and the unspoken connection that pulled me closer with every heartbeat. I didn’t know what lay ahead in the shadows of that dark building, but with him, I felt both exhilarated and safe, and that combination was strangely irresistible.