Love in the Chaos

Chapter - 8

The following days were unbearable for Rune. He locked himself in his apartment, the weight of his emotions crushing him. His thoughts were a jumbled mess—flashes of Aaron’s soft smile, the warmth of their kiss, and the overwhelming guilt that followed.

Tears streamed down his face as he paced the small room, his hands shaking. His chest felt tight, like he couldn’t breathe. How did this happen? he thought. How did I let myself fall for him? A vampire of all people. What would my family say? What would Grandfather do?

Rune sank to the floor, his head in his hands. The strict, unyielding voice of his grandfather echoed in his mind, reminding him of the responsibilities of being an alpha, of upholding their family’s honor. There’s no place for this… this love in my life. The thought cut him deeply, and fresh sobs racked his body.

For two days, Rune stayed like this—crying until he felt empty, then crying some more. His phone rang constantly, Aaron’s name lighting up the screen each time. But Rune couldn’t bring himself to answer. Each call felt like a dagger to his heart. He wanted to hear Aaron’s voice, to feel his presence again, but the fear of everything crashing down around him kept him frozen.

---

On the other side of the city, Aaron was pacing his office, his usually calm demeanor shattered. His phone was clutched tightly in his hand as he stared at the unanswered calls. Rune’s silence was driving him mad.

Aaron hadn’t been able to focus on anything since Rune had run away. Meetings were cut short, paperwork was left untouched, and everyone in his company felt the weight of his foul mood.

“Why isn’t he answering?” Aaron muttered to himself, his voice filled with frustration and desperation. His hands trembled slightly as he placed the phone down, staring out the window at the city lights.

What if he never talks to me again? What if he hates me now? The thoughts gnawed at him, a rare fear taking root in his heart.

He replayed the moment at the lighthouse over and over in his mind—the way Rune had kissed him back, the way his cheeks had flushed. He had felt it too. Aaron was sure of it. But then Rune’s panic, his tears, and the way he ran… it haunted Aaron.

“I can’t lose him,” Aaron whispered to himself. His chest ached, the thought of Rune slipping away unbearable. He picked up his phone again, dialing Rune’s number for what felt like the hundredth time.

“Please, Rune,” Aaron murmured as the call rang out. “Just talk to me. Let me explain.”

When the call went unanswered yet again, Aaron let out a frustrated sigh, his grip tightening on the phone. He leaned against his desk, his head hanging low. For the first time in centuries, he felt powerless, and it terrified him.

“I’ll give him space,” Aaron finally said, though the words felt like a lie even as they left his mouth. He couldn’t stay away for long. Not when his heart screamed for Rune.

---

Meanwhile, Rune sat curled up on his bed, clutching a pillow to his chest as he stared blankly at the wall. He hadn’t eaten, hadn’t slept. His mind was a battlefield, torn between his growing love for Aaron and the suffocating fear of what it meant.

“What am I supposed to do?” Rune whispered, his voice hoarse from crying. His heart ached, and no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t stop thinking about Aaron—his kindness, his teasing smile, the way his touch had made Rune feel alive.

And yet, the image of his grandfather’s disapproving glare loomed over him, the weight of his family’s expectations crushing him further.

“I can’t do this,” Rune said to himself, tears slipping down his cheeks again. But deep down, he knew the truth—he loved Aaron. And that truth scared him more than anything else.