Chapter 7 : Unwanted Proximity

Lena's POV

Two days.

That's all we had left before Julian came back. Honestly, I wasn't sure which threat scared me more. An ancient vampire who wanted to tear Darion apart or supernatural council Elsa was dragging into my business.

Either way I was screwed.

I stood behind the bar nursing a third cup of coffee that morning. Trying not to think about the mess my life had become. Crib was quieter than usual. People are still on edge after Elsa's visit. Couldn't blame them.

"You look terrible." Tormund appeared beside me. Concerned frown.

"Thanks. Exactly what I needed to hear."

"Serious Lena. When's the last time you slept?"

I thought about it. "What day is it?"

He sighed. "Can't keep going like this."

"Watch me." Took another sip.

Truth was I hadn't slept because every time I closed my eyes I felt it. The pull. That stupid irritating relentless tug in my chest pointing directly at Darion's room like a twisted compass.

The mate bond was getting worse.

At first I was just aware. Sense of where he was. But now? Now it was physical. The ache that started small and grew the longer I stayed away from him. Like my body punishing me for fighting what it wanted.

I hated it.

Spent the entire morning on the opposite side of Crib from his room. By noon my chest felt tight. By mid-afternoon I had a pounding headache no amount of coffee could fix.

"This is ridiculous." Muttered. Rubbing temples.

"What is?" Tormund asked.

"Nothing. Everything. Take your pick."

A loud crash came from the back hallway. Jumped. "What now?"

Marched toward sound. Ready to deal with whatever new disaster decided to ruin my day. Turn the corner. Stopped short.

Darion was there. Crouched down. Picking up pieces of broken shelf. An embarrassed-looking vampire hovered nearby.

"So sorry." The vampire was saying. "Didn't mean to... just leaned on it and..."

"It's fine." Darion's voice is calm. "The wood was rotting anyway. Should've been replaced ages ago."

I gathered broken pieces. I stood up. That's when he noticed me standing there.

Eyes met. Immediately the ache in my chest eased. Just like that. Like my body sighing in relief.

I hated that even more.

"What are you doing?" I asked. Tone sharper than meant.

"Cleaning up." Said simply. "Unless you'd prefer I leave it?"

"What are you doing out here? Should be in your room."

Raised eyebrows. "Am I a prisoner now?"

"No. Just..." Trailed off. I didn't have a good answer.

Truth was didn't want him wandering around. I didn't want to see him. I didn't want to feel a bond getting stronger every time we were in the same space.

"Trying to help." My voice is softer now. "You've given me sanctuary. The least I can do is make myself useful."

Before I could respond he walked past. Carrying broken wood toward the back door. The vampire gave an apologetic look. Scurried off.

Stood there moment. Torn between following him and going back to the bar.

Chest tightened again the second he was out of sight.

"Damn it." Whispered.

***

Over the next day and half I tried everything to avoid him.

I stayed in my room. I worked in the kitchen. Even considered hiding in a storage cellar.

It didn't matter. Apparently Darion decided to become the world's most helpful rogue Alpha.

Fixed leaking pipe in second-floor bathroom. Mediated dispute between two werewolves arguing over territory at dinner table. Even helped Tormund move heavy barrels in the storeroom.

The worst part? People are starting to like him.

Watched from the bar as a group of younger residents sat around him at the table. Laughing at something he'd said. Actually laughing. With terrifying Alpha they'd been avoiding for days.

"He's good with them." Tormund observed. Following my gaze.

"He's a distraction."

"Or maybe he's just a decent person trying to make amends."

Shot him look. "Whose side are you on?"

"Yours. Always. But that doesn't mean I can't see what's right in front of me."

Didn't answer. Too busy watching Darion. Talking to a young werewolf. Kid barely eighteen. Showed up at my door a few months ago half-starved and traumatized. The kid barely spoke to anyone.

But now talking to Darion. Quietly. Hesitantly. But talking.

Darion's expression is gentle. Patient. Wasn't acting like Alpha. Acting like... someone who understood.

Something twisted in my chest. We didn't bond this time.

The kid said something. Darion's face changed. Just for second. The flash of pain so raw and deep made my breath catch.

Then gone. Hidden behind a carefully neutral mask he wore.

But I'd seen it.

"He lost everything." Said quietly.

Tormund nodded. "And blames himself for all of it."

I knew that feeling. Weight of responsibility. Guilt that never quite went away no matter how much time passed.

Without thinking, I stood up.

"Where are you going?" Tormund asked.

"Don't know." Admitted.

Crossed the room, which was closer I got to Darion, got more aches in my chest eased. By the time I reached his table it felt almost normal again.

He looked up. Surprised. "Lena."

"Can I talk to you?" I asked. "Privately."

A young werewolf took a hint. Quickly excused himself. Darion stood. Followed me to a quiet corner near the windows.

"Something wrong?" I asked.

"That's a loaded question." Then before I could stop myself added. "I saw you. With a kid. You were good with him."

I looked away. "He reminds me of someone. One of the younger wolves in my pack. Didn't make it out of ambush."

Pain back in his eyes. This time I didn't hide it fast enough.

"I'm sorry." Said. Meant it.

"Don't be. It was my fault."

"Was it though?" I asked. "Or is that just what you've been telling yourself?"

Met my gaze. Something passed between us. Something deeper than bond. Understanding. Recognition of shared pain.

Pull in chest intensified. This time it wasn't just physical, it was emotional. Desperate terrifying need to reach out, to comfort and to connect.

I took a step closer without meaning to, he did the same.

Inches apart now. Close enough to feel heat radiating off him, I was close enough to see the flecks of gold in his eyes.

"Lena." Said quietly. "What's happening to us?"

"Don't know." Whispered.

But that was a lie.

Knew exactly what was happening. Scared hell out of me because for the first time since he'd crashed into my life I wasn't sure I wanted to fight it anymore.