Ch. 25 (Interrupted.)

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Stefan's POV

Ash gathered a few of her belongings and tossed them into the back seat of my car. She settled into the front seat with a long, relieved sigh, and I could see the tension still clinging to her.

She rubbed her thighs in a nervous gesture, and I knew I had to lighten the mood somehow. "Let's be on our way," I said, breaking the heavy silence. She nodded, buckling her seat belt and stealing one last glance back at her house.

As I pulled away from the curb, I placed my hand on her side. To my surprise, she reached over, touched my hand, and smiled at me. It felt like a small, comforting connection amid the chaos.

We drove in quiet companionship for a few moments, but just as I was about to speak again, I glanced over and saw that Ash had drifted off to sleep.

I couldn't help but smile at my sleeping princess. She looked peaceful, the weight of the day slipping away from her. Carefully, I turned off the engine, opened the door, and stepped out. I quickly made my way around the car to her side.

Gently, I opened the door to the front seat and, with a carefulness that made me feel both protective and tender, lifted her into my arms in a bridal carry. She instinctively cuddled into me, her face nuzzling against my chest as I felt her warmth radiate.

"Let's get you inside," I whispered, feeling a surge of determination to make her feel safe.

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Ashelyonna's POV

I lay on the ground, gazing up at the night sky. It was beautiful, adorned with countless stars and a full moon that cast a soft glow over everything.

"You know we're home, right?" I heard Stefan whisper as he settled down beside me.

Nodding, I brought my index finger to my lips and pointed at the stars, savoring the moment.

As he shifted into a comfortable position, I moved closer, resting my head on his shoulder. The warmth of our bodies together was soothing, wrapping me in a sense of security.

I felt Stefan tracing his fingers along my arm, sending delightful shivers down my spine. It was an intimate moment, and I relished every second of it.

Suddenly, I jolted awake, my heart racing. I was no longer under the stars but instead nestled in a cozy bed. The softness of the sheets enveloped me, and I could barely believe how comfortable I was.

I glanced over at the window and noticed a ray of sunlight peeking through the curtains. "It's morning already?" I whispered, blinking at the cute digital clock on my bedside table.

7:30 AM. I huffed, sinking back into the plush comforter, momentarily lost in the warmth of the bed.

As my eyes roamed the room, taking in the pink and black décor, realization hit me like a wave. I quickly shot up, suddenly aware of where I was.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and scanned the room, admiring the black hearts on the cotton comforter and the matching pillows. It was cute and cozy, a stark contrast to the uncertainty I had felt the night before.

Just as I was getting lost in thought, my bladder protested, reminding me of its urgent need. I stood up, glancing around the room as I walked towards the closed doors, opening them one by one in search of the bathroom.

"Second door to your left," I heard Stefan's voice in my mind, his chuckle echoing through my thoughts.

Thanks, I replied silently as I made my way to the door he had mentioned.

As I stepped inside the bathroom, I couldn't help but admire the space—it was a masterpiece of design, with sleek tiles and elegant fixtures that made me feel like I had stepped into a spa.

Pulling down my shorts, I suddenly realized that I wasn't wearing anything beneath them. My cheeks flushed as I mentally slapped myself. Really, Ashelyonna?

"Stefan!" I snickered, a mix of embarrassment and amusement bubbling inside me. I could almost hear his laughter in response, teasing me for not being more aware.

I quickly took care of business, trying to shake off the moment and focus on the day ahead. After washing my hands, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and sighed. I looked a little disheveled, but I was also kind of grateful for it. The night had been exhausting, and I felt like I was finally coming back to life.

Once I finished, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever the day would bring.

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Stefan's POV

I was downstairs, preparing something for Ash to eat while I was gone.

Gone?

Yes.

Moments later, Ash came down the stairs, and I couldn't help but smile at how cute she looked in her bed shorts and messy bun.

Her smile faded into a frown as she caught sight of me in my suit, and she rolled her brown eyes dramatically.

"Ash, come on," I said, trying to lighten the mood.

She popped a grape into her mouth, plopping down onto a kitchen stool without answering me.

I sighed, trying to reason with her. "I have to go. Are you forgetting that Kendrick and his pack are parading around the school like they own the place?"

Her face relaxed at the thought of Kendrick and his rowdy animals, and I could see a hint of amusement in her eyes.

After taking an apple from the fruit bowl, she got up and strolled over to me. "You're the powerful witch, aren't you? Make something happen," she teased, biting into the juicy fruit, letting the juice run down the corner of her mouth.

"Oh, you have no idea how you're playing with fire," I said, my voice dropping to a seductive whisper as I met her smirk with one of my own.

"I would, but then you'd have to attend to those little mutts," she snickered, turning away as she tossed her bitten apple toward me. I caught it easily and took a bite, surprised by its sweetness.

"This is sweet," I muttered to myself, savoring the flavor and the moment. I watched as Ash walked back towards the counter, her playful spirit lifting the mood in the room.

"Just promise you'll be careful," I called after her, knowing I couldn't leave without ensuring she'd be okay.

She paused, looking back at me with a serious expression for a moment. "You know I can handle myself, Stefan. I'll be fine," she reassured me, her confidence shining through.

"I know you can, but that doesn't stop me from worrying," I admitted, running a hand through my hair. "It's just... there's a lot happening, and I want to make sure you're safe while I'm out dealing with everything."

She walked back over, resting her hands on the counter, her eyes searching mine. "I appreciate it. Really. But you have to trust me, too. I'll be here, ready to take on whatever comes my way."

I couldn't help but smile at her determination. "Alright, you're right. I trust you. Just... text me if anything feels off, okay?"

"Deal," she said, a playful grin returning to her face. "And don't take too long. I'll be waiting for my superhero to come back."

"Always," I promised, stealing another bite from the apple. "But for now, I'll do my best to keep those pups in line so I can get back to you as soon as possible."

With one last lingering look, I grabbed my bag and headed toward the door. As I turned the handle, I felt a sudden surge of hope. Whatever challenges awaited me, knowing Ash was safe and waiting for me made it all worthwhile.

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Sorry for the short chapter and late update....

Enjoy tho.
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