Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 54: Breathe for me.

Derek's Story

I had never asked Deniz what really happened during those dark days when she disappeared. Even though I knew she was in Leo's hands, I avoided the subject like it was a curse. I wanted to find her. I was going to run away from home to find her. But then, I found out she escaped on her own. When I saw her again, she was in a terrible state— state that made my chest ache. But I couldn't let her see that I cared. I was just relieved she was alive, nothing more. Or so I told myself.

Maybe I should've asked. Maybe we should've talked about it. But back then, I thought it was better left buried.

Now, back at the pack house, I called her into my office.
—

Deniz's Story

Does this man own an office in every building in town? I thought to myself as I approached Derek's door. He hadn't said much on the ride back, but I assumed he was upset about letting those three rogues escape. My nerves buzzed under the weight of his silence.

I knocked once, pushing the door open. "Alpha?"

Derek sat behind his desk, his piercing eyes locked on me. There was something different about his expression—something I couldn't quite place. It wasn't anger. No, it felt... heavier.

"Deniz, we need to talk about something important."

The knot in my stomach tightened. "Yes, Alpha," I replied, standing straight and clasping my hands behind my back. " I am listening. "

"What I'm about to ask might be difficult," he said, leaning forward slightly, "but it's important. I need to know—what happened while you were with Leo?"

My stomach sank. My throat tightened.

"What does it matter now?" I said flatly, avoiding his gaze. "It's over. I don't want to talk about it."

"Deniz," he said gently, "did he hurt you?"

I froze. His words felt like a knife slicing through my defenses. A lump formed in my throat as memories I had buried clawed their way to the surface. I hated this. I hated him for bringing it up. I knew Aras had gone to him for help, and Derek had done nothing. Why bring it up now?

"Alpha," I snapped, "don't act like you care."

His expression darkened, but he didn't respond to my outburst. Instead, he pressed on.

"What happened with Leo?" he asked. "How did you escape?"

I stumbled back a step, as if his words had physically struck me. My breathing quickened. My chest felt tight—too tight. I couldn't get air. The room spun, memories flashing before my eyes like a cruel montage. Every night I relived it in my nightmares, and now he wanted me to recount it like it was some school trip?
That night. The blood. The moment I attacked Leo. How scared I was.

My breathing became shallow, too shallow. My heart raced uncontrollably, and tears started streaming down my cheeks. I couldn't stop them. My chest felt like it was caving in. No air.

I couldn't get air.

---

Derek's Story

"Deniz!"

Her name tore out of my throat as I rounded my desk and reached her. She was trembling, her breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps. Her face was pale and streaked with tears as she clutched at her chest trying to hold herself together.

I cupped her face gently with my hands, trying to make her look at me.

"Hey, hey," I said softly, trying to meet her frantic gaze. "Breathe. Look at me, You're okay. I'm here. Breathe with me, dear. One, two—count with me."