The Alpha's Witch |18+|

Chapter Thirty Eight

BRAXTON

The steam that once rose from the water has ceased to exist and the temperature has run cold. It doesn't bother me though, the lack of any warmth has become painfully normal.

I stare at the calm water for what feels like eternity, watching the bubbles slowly dissolve. Silence stretches through the room, creeping its way into every crevice. Like its sole purpose is to haunt me.

It's fitting though—the silent coldness that surrounds me. It compares all to similarly with the feeling that's made a home in my chest.

I stay like that, with arms stretched on either side of the stone tub and head hung down, observing the water as if it actually interests me.

Only the sudden, faint sound of footsteps and the smell of my mate makes my wolf stir. I ignore them both. I know it's some sick trick my mind is playing on me.

I've imagined her countless times since her death. Imagined how her skin would feel under my fingertips, how her eyes would look when they connect with my own, and how her lips would feel pressed against me, even just once more.

I can't help myself. Feeding into the fantasy and disillusion that she's still alive. That she can be with me again.

"Braxton."

My name is faint and soft. And it hurts my chest even more with how real and close it sounds. How close she sounds.

I know it's a trick, but my head lifts anyways. That feeling in my chest only worsens.

She's complete perfection, beautiful in every way. And she stands directly in front of me, looking far from dead.

But I know she's not alive.

"I miss you," I confess to whatever kind of false version of hope this is.

I study every part of her anyways. Memorizing every single part of her I can see, just so I can embed it even further into my mind. Hopefully to one day never forget each and every freckle that mars across her face and the exact color of those eyes.

My favorite color.

She steps forward, kneeling down a moment later. "I missed you too, so much."

Tears well in her eyes before spilling down those freckled covered cheeks. I itch to wipe them away. But I'm afraid she'll disappear if I try to touch her.

"I wish you were real."

It practically breaks me when her tears turn to sobs. My words being the catalyst.

It vaguely starts to feel all too real when her fingers curl around my forearm, sparks emitting under my skin. Buzzing with electricity that only makes my heart race.

There's a flicker of hope that I quickly try to squash.

"I am real," she rasps out, "I'm right here."

Her words yank at my resolve.

"This is cruel." I shake my head, starting to think that I can't take this much longer.

Those green eyes observe me, as if she's trying to figure me out. Until suddenly, she's all too close. Her lips brush my own as she whispers two words that send my heart into a furry of emotions.

"I'm alive."

It echos through my mind as my eyes close on their own and I feel my body still with a final realization.

The familiarity is overwhelming. It's a feeling I never thought I would feel again.

But as the sparks fully buzz between us and the bond resonates around the two of us, I know it's true.