ENDURING {Sequel to Everlasting} ❗️EDITING ❗️

Chapter 50 - Part B

"Has everyone gone to bed?" I ask, glancing around my silent home as I slide my ankle boots off.

"They were going to wait but I said you'd be a while." Hardin nods. The atmosphere is a little tense between us, a tad awkward.

This is the part I don't miss about us, when we collide instead of moving in sync. One argument about nothing can blow up into a goddamn hurricane, leaving us both emotionally hurt and distant.

"I shouldn't have snapped at you earlier...You're a wolf, protecting me is bound into your DNA." I decide to break the ice, even if I don't want to be the first simply out of stubbornness.

But we have to be better this time, try harder, or there's no use bothering making a go of it.

"I'm sorry." I suck it up and say the words, walking towards him. I didn't touch him, or hug him, mainly because I'm uncertain of how he'll react right now.

"I'm sorry too, lying to everyone...I hate it. I know it's the only thing keeping us alive, but it doesn't make me feel any less guilty." He exhales, his shoulders falling slightly.

"You're the last person I should be taking my anger out on." He tells me, his tone filled with shame.

Sighing quietly, I slip my jacket off and hang it on the coat rack.

"Actually, I'd rather be the first. I'm still me, just because my wolf is gone doesn't mean I can't handle your temper." I tell him softly, placing my hands on the either side of his neck to make him look at me.

His silver eyes glow as if they are part of the moon itself, and the fact that they're boring into my soul doesn't make it easy to look away.

"I love you, Katalayha." His voice is soft, yet firm at the same time. His eyes so gentle that it makes me feel exposed.

Having not heard those words for five years, it takes me by surprise. I wasn't expecting them so soon, or even at all.

"Say it again." I whisper gently, my nails gently scratching the back of his neck, even I could hear the edge of need in my voice.

Hardin's eyes darken a fraction, his hands grasping my waist as he draws me between his legs. Considering he's sat on the back of the sofa, I don't press against him.

"I love you." He repeats softly.

I lean in close, brushing my lips against his ear, smirking as I feel him shudder under my slightest touch. He's still sensitive, perhaps now more than before, without my wolf I don't feel everything I once did, but for him I can only imagine how highly strung he is.

"I meant my name." I whisper lightly.

Hardin's grips tightens, a low earthy groan sounding from deep within his broad chest. My hands having a mind of their own begin to wander, gliding over the hard pecs hidden beneath his t-shirt. My fingers mould to him like a second skin, feeling every muscle...every curve and dip. It awakens something that I haven't felt in a very long time, yet the feeling is familiar with Hardin.

I glance up at him under my lashes, feeling my heart race as my entire soul comes alive. Hardin gazes down at me with curiosity, and desire that seems to grow with eye contact.

"I thought you didn't want this yet." His voice seems to have deepened a whole octave, husky with want.

He's right, and part of me doesn't. But my body craves it, him. Always him.

"I want to touch you." I softly admit, my fingers lifting his shirt up, revealing the tan, muscular scarred flesh beneath.

My mouth becomes dry in an instant, and I flick my eyes back up to Hardin. He study's me, not jumping at the opportunity like I thought he might.