Within their dreams (Reverse Harem)

Chapter 3

Leo's POV

In truth, I wasn't planning on interacting with her at all. I'm not the rash one in situations, but with her nothing seems to go to plan. Of course my body can't control itself for ten minutes. But she smelt so intoxicating, it was taking everything in me not to turn her around and fuck her up against the bookcase for everyone else to see. Especially when I could smell her own arousal.

But that wasn't why I was visiting. I've managed to keep myself in the shadows for weeks while I've been watching her, waiting for her to give me a reason as to why she was my mate, out of every other more suitable candidate that could've been chosen. There's nothing, nothing except this addiction I have that draws me into her like I'm some addict. I hate feeling like this, so out of control in my own body. Yet, as I'm hating myself and trying to give myself every reason to leave and not look back, I remain on the street opposite the bookshop, watching her help the owner close up through the large windows.

The sun is setting quickly and by the time Ivy finally leaves the shop, it's dark. I watch her friend offer her a ride but she declines with a little shake of her head, turning to walk in the opposite direction. My feet follow her, keeping watch for anyone that might try to harm her. I stay a safe distance away from her, making sure she won't be able to see me even if she does turn around. I tell myself I just want to make sure she gets home safe, but I know that's only a half truth. Because once she walks into her flat, I'll crawl up the tree that sits close to her window and watch her sleep while I convince myself not to crawl through her open window. Who even keeps their window open at night anyway? It's like you want someone to come in and steal your panties. Which I have definitely not done. More than once.

A guy steps out in front of her, almost bumping into her. She quickly tries to sidestep him but he's too fast, catching hold of her wrist and pulling her down the alleyway he came from. His other hand closes on her mouth, preventing her from screaming. I can hear her heart beat faster, her body thrashing in his hold. Her hands are griping his arms, clawing at his hands to let her go but he grips tighter. The smell of her fear is like the coldest winter, stinging my lungs. Then suddenly going still, making it easier for him to pick her up and push her against the brick wall. I hear her whimper as he slams her against it, wincing at the pain she must have felt. Part of me wonders if I should let it play out, then I wouldn't have to worry about the lack of a future we could have together. But I know I couldn't let anything happen to her. It would destroy Owen and as much as I try to squash my feelings for her, I know it would destroy me too.

The second my eyes catch the glisten of a blade held up against her neck and my blood runs cold. I picture her lying in that alleyway covered in her own blood and I feel sick. I stride towards them, my nails elongating into sharp talons, ready to slice that fuckers' neck. But my steps halt when I see him fall to the ground, wailing in pain. He's trying to crawl away, but whatever is hurting him makes him unable to get up. As I get closer, I see Ivy standing over him, her eyes cloudy as she stares at him emotionlessly. The light from the street lamp shows the tears still trickling down her face. Then, she seems to snap out of her trance and step back, the man grunting from the relief.

She blinks rapidly, looking at the man on the ground, who's still whimpering in pain. Then, she notices me and immediately tenses, like she's been caught out.

"Are you okay?" I ask, stepping towards her slowly. She flinches back and I hold my hands up, inching closer. She relaxes slightly when the light hits my face, giving me a tiny nod.

"Fucking, bitch." The man spits out, finally able to push himself off the ground. I turn and press my boot into his back, pushing him back down as he splutters, desperately trying to draw breath.

I pull back only slightly before stamping down, hearing a satisfying crack as he howls in pain. Then I turn back to her. I hold my hand out and it only takes her a second before she grips it, allowing me to tug her away and back onto the main road.

We walk in silence and I make sure to be one step behind as if I'm not sure where we're going. I thought she might object to be walking her home, but she hasn't said a word. I have questions burning in my head to ask but I'm worried that if I question what I saw she'll shut down on me. Whatever she was doing to that man, was something other. Her scent has intensified since that encounter, a sweet tang I've never smelt before. It invades my senses, wrapping itself around me in a way that makes me want to hold her close and breathe her in forever. But I keep my distance, knowing that it'll only end in pain.

As we get closer to her flat, I feel an ache in my chest. I don't want to leave her tonight, after what happened. I follow her up the stairs until we get to her door. She fumbles in her pocket for her keys and lets herself in, her hand hovering on the doorframe like she's not sure what to do next. The words fall out of my mouth before I can stop them.

"Go out with me."