Sempiterno VI (AlanxJeff)

Escape attempt = kiss

Jeff

I first sensed his scent, a soft, sweet trace that seemed to float in the night air. At first, I didn't pay much attention to it; his essence had been with me since I arrived at this place, lingering in every corner of the mansion like a persistent echo I couldn't shake off. But as I slowly descended the improvised rope, something changed. His scent grew stronger, wrapping around me like an invisible caress, stirring feelings I couldn't ignore. My heart began to race, as if it responded to that scent without my permission. I kept descending, casting quick glances to the sides, my pulse quickening with each passing second.

The wind whispered through the nearby trees, and the leaves rustled softly under the moonlight, but my mind was focused on something else: him. Though I tried to remain calm, my hands were sweating, my fingers gripping the bedsheet rope cautiously, but my nervousness grew with every moment. And then, just as my feet were about to touch the ground, I felt him closer than ever. The scent became almost intoxicating, and my heart—betrayer that it was—started pounding wildly, accelerating in a strange, unfamiliar way.

It was at that moment that he caught me.

His arms wrapped around me, firm and secure, stopping me in my tracks. My breath caught in my chest, and the world around us vanished. I let go of the rope, my fingers trembling in surprise, as my eyes locked with his. And then, everything stopped. There was no wind, no sound—just him and me, in that suspended moment of time.

His gaze... it was dark and deep, but there was a sparkle in his eyes, as if he held a piece of the stars themselves within. For a second, I wondered if time had actually stopped, if he had some power over me that prevented me from thinking clearly. Did he have powers, too?

The thought crossed my mind just as his smile appeared. He smiled. And the impact felt like a punch to my chest. My whole world tilted. His lips curved gently, and there they were. Dimples. How was it possible? How could someone so cruel and ruthless, someone I was supposed to fear, look so... cute when he smiled? My heart swelled with confusion. It was unfair, completely unfair. Something in me desperately wanted to touch those dimples, trace their outline with my fingers, feel the softness they hid.

"So... trying to escape again, huh?" His voice was a whisper, playful, teasing. He didn't radiate danger—not in that moment—but somehow, being in his arms, so close to him, made me feel vulnerable. My mind was in chaos. His scent surrounded me, his warmth so close to mine was anything but uncomfortable. In fact, it was more comforting than I was willing to admit. My heart shouldn't be racing like this, not because of him.

My confusion grew; it was as if my heart was battling everything I had been taught all my life. Alan Hemmawich was the enemy, the ruthless alpha I had been raised to fear. And yet, here I was, in his arms, feeling everything but fear. My emotions were at war. I remembered the vision, and I abruptly pulled away, seeking space, needing to breathe without his presence clouding my senses.

"No... I just... I just..." The words caught in my throat. What was I supposed to say to him? I couldn't think clearly with him so near. "I wanted to see the garden," I lied, my voice trembling, while my eyes frantically searched the surroundings. The moon illuminated the bushes, and the soft rustle of the leaves in the breeze seemed to mock me. There was no way he'd believe that.

"The garden?" His smile widened, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and cunning as his brow arched in disbelief. He pointed to the makeshift rope of bedsheets still hanging from the window. "Is that why you were climbing down a... rope?"

"It's because... because they locked me up," I replied quickly, avoiding his gaze, afraid of losing myself in it again. "How else was I supposed to get out the door?" My voice sounded more unsure with each word. I knew he could see right through me, and the shame burned in my cheeks.

He nodded, as if deeply considering my words, though his smile suggested he was enjoying my clumsiness. "Makes sense," he said with a seriousness that threw me off. "But it's your first day here, and already your second escape attempt. I think it's time we made an agreement." His voice softened now, almost worried. "I don't want you getting hurt with these reckless attempts, and I don't want to keep you locked up like a prisoner either."

My heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, hope flickered inside me. "If you really want me to be okay, let me go," I whispered, though deep down I knew his answer wouldn't go in that direction.

His expression darkened briefly, a hidden sadness behind his determination. "I can do anything for you, except that." His tone was firm, but there was a tenderness in it that confused me even more. "Every action has consequences, Jeff... and every time you try to escape..."

"You'll punish me?" I asked in a trembling murmur, though something inside me told me he would never hurt me. That confusion was disarming me completely.

He smiled again, a smile that revealed those dimples that sent butterflies swirling in my stomach, and he stepped closer. I stepped back instinctively. His gaze intensified, slowly dropping to my lips. I saw him swallow hard and take a deep breath, as if something was consuming him from the inside.

"Every time you try to escape," he whispered in a rough voice, "I'll give you a kiss."

My heart exploded in my chest. I stepped back, completely out of control. "No... you can't!" I exclaimed, my voice shaking. "Omegas can't be touched... not until they're married. That includes... that includes kisses."

Alan moved even closer, his smile mischievous, his gaze flirtatious and daring. "Are you telling me we should get married, then?" His tone was playful, amused, as if fate had handed him the most entertaining proposal in the world.

My eyes widened. "What?! No! I never said that!" I stepped back again until I felt the cold wall behind me. I was trapped. Alan took another step closer, his warmth enveloping me, even though our bodies didn't touch. I could feel him, so close that the air between us grew dense, almost suffocating. My pulse quickened, and each breath became heavier, deeper.

The wind whispered around us, cold, sending a shiver down my spine, and I saw his brows furrow with concern.

"You're wearing something too light for this time of night," he said, his voice softer, almost caring. "Come on, I'll take you back to your room."

I nodded silently, grateful that the conversation hadn't continued down the path it was on, though the tension between us still lingered, like a taut string ready to snap. Once inside the room, Alan stood at the door while I found myself staring at the floor, nervous, sensing the strange expectation hanging in the air.

"I'm not locking you in this time." His voice broke the silence, soft, but filled with a tension I didn't understand. "You can leave whenever you want."

My eyes shot up in surprise. "What...?"

"The window will stay open," he continued, with a slight smile. "If you try to escape again, I suggest you use a stronger rope. The guard change is at 1 a.m. If you head to the back of the mansion, there's a forest, and the surveillance there is a bit lighter. But I should warn you, the forest itself is dangerous."

I stared at him, more confused than ever. "Why are you telling me this? Are you mocking me?"

Alan smiled again, and I had to muster all my strength to stay firm. "I'm just giving you some ideas for your next escape attempt," he whispered, leaning on the doorframe, his gaze once again dropping to my lips. "I'll be waiting impatiently."

I covered my mouth with my hands, feeling my cheeks burn. "You're shameless!" I yelled before slamming the door shut. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest. "He's the enemy, heart... this has to be panic," I told myself, trying to convince my racing heart. But it didn't seem to agree.