Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 66: Shifting Lines

I never thought I'd find myself thanking Adeline. Hell, I didn't think I was even capable of thinking that. But this time?

She helped me. More than I'd ever admit out loud.

"Deniz!"

Derek's voice echoed behind me as I walked toward the prison gate, the cold wind tugging at my clothes like it wanted me to stop.

I sighed, turned around, and waited for him. He was walking fast, his jaw tight, eyes dark with something I couldn't quite place. Regret? Fear?

He stopped in front of me, just a little too close.

"Deniz, I'm pulling you off Adeline's security detail."

My brows lifted. "Seriously?"

"I know that was my father's order," he said, voice clipped, "but things have changed. Your life's at risk now. I'm assigning a guard to protect you 24/7. And as for Adeline—someone else will take over."

A bitter chuckle slipped past my lips before I could stop it.

"Of course you are," I muttered. "Fine. Take me off. But I don't need a guard, Derek. That's overkill. It's not like I'm some delicate omega who can't fight back."

My voice sharpened without permission. "I came back to serve. Let me return to my unit and actually do something useful."

He looked at me like he wanted to argue—but didn't. Just clenched his jaw harder, as if holding himself back.

I straightened my spine and added quietly, "Thank you, Alpha Derek."

Then I turned and walked away before my heart could betray me.

Derek's story.

I watched her go. Her steps were steady, strong... but too calculated. Like each one cost her something.

She didn't even flinch. Not once.

That was Deniz—fierce, composed, untouchable.

And I hated how much I wanted to touch her.

I could've stopped her. Should've. Said anything to make her stay. But instead, I just stood there like a damn fool while the one woman I should've protected walked away from me.

Every time I think I've figured her out, she changes the rules. She's bold. Brave. Dangerous.

And right now, she's hurting more than she lets on.

She doesn't know I feel it. That invisible string between us is pulling tighter every second. She refused my protection as if it was a curse. As if my presence makes things worse.

Maybe it does.

I sent word to Beta Paul before I lost my nerve. Told him to reinstate her in her old team. Because it's safer—for both of us.

Because I don't trust myself around her anymore.

Not when the bond I tried to sever won't stop bleeding.

Deniz's story.

Back in my room, I finally let myself exhale. The walls felt too quiet. The air, too still.

I stood in front of the mirror and studied the stranger looking back at me. My eyes were tired. My face calm.

But inside?

I was unravelling.

Every word the rogue had said still echoed in my head. Every second spent beside Derek burned like a wound I couldn't reach.