Chapter 5 5

Aaron's Pov

The scent of blood and wine lingered in the air, a cruel reminder of how I'd slammed my fists against the table and sent splinters of wood flying everywhere, a reminder of how close I'd come to losing control again.

I had frightened everyone at the table but not her, Odette.

I glanced down at my hand, the one she gripped in hers, the same hand that was torn and bloodied from striking the table. I didn't notice the sting of pain until she squeezed hard.

Her hand was trembling in mine but she didn't let go.

Why?

“That's enough.” I tried pulling my hand from hers but she tightened her grip and it pissed me off.

“I said that's enough!” I snapped, finally pulling away from her.

A startled gasp left her lips. As if realizing what she had done, she looked down. “I'm sorry.”

“Don't apologize. I want to be alone.” I muttered in a low voice but it came out rough like gravel.

“I know,” Odette replied quietly. “but you're bleeding.”

“It's nothing,” I snorted and looked away.

“No, it's not. We need to take a look at your wound. Come on.” She extended her hand to me and no matter how much I protested, I still took it.

The castle was restless when we arrived. The maids ran helter-skelter and the guards had never been shaken. They were always distraught when my family showed up. Still are.

Clarisse gasped when she saw us walk in and rushed to our side.

“I heard about the commotion,” From.the way she sounded, she was clearly worried. “Are you alright? What happened to your hands? Let's get them cleaned up.”

In the midst of the panic, she managed to request a bowl of water and a clean cloth.

“Come on, Aaron. Let me see to your wound,” she said, beckoning me to come over.

“I want to help.” Odette said. Her voice was quiet but it had a firm tone to it. She gave a pleading look to Clarisse who understood what she meant.

As soon as Clarisse left, Odette knelt beside me, taking my wounded hand into hers. Her fingers felt warm, soft, too soft for the filth that lived beneath my skin.

I should've pulled away but I couldn't. I didn't know how to.

When she dipped a cloth in warm water and brushed it over my bruised knuckles, the touch seared through me like fire. My wolf stirred within me, snarling and clawing to be let free. However, his plea wasn't for bloodthirst but something entirely dangerous.

“Why are you caring for a monster like me?” I asked, finally breaking the silence.

Her hands paused for just a moment before she said softly. “And who said you're a monster?”

My throat tightened. If only she knew.

I looked away, my jaw clenching as a storm of thoughts rolled through my head. If Odette sees what I've done in the past or witnesses what I become when I transform, she would run for her dear life.

“My family,” I began, forcing the words out. “and everyone else in the realm calls me a monster. The ‘mad king’ is not just a nickname. It's who I am.”

Her eyes widened. “But…”

“More importantly,” I cut her off with a short sigh. “I need you to stay away from my family. Father isn't just an ordinary Lycan. He's the worst of the worst. And my brothers? They'll drive a knife into your back with a smile so stay away from them, Odette. Especially Adam.”

Her gaze met mine but she didn't flinch, not like I'd expected her to. “What about you?”

“Me?” I said, almost hauntingly. “You should stay away from me the most.”

Her brows dipped in a frown. “But why?”

Because I'm cursed. Because the blood that runs through me is not that of a wolf. Because every time I close my eyes, I see death and crave to cause it.

“Aaron?” She whispered. Then, she reached for my face, brushing her thumb over the long scar that ran from my eyebrow to my cheek. In that moment, everything inside me froze. My wolf, my curse, my torment, everything fell still.

Her touch was calm and soothing burned and for the first time in years, my head cleared.

I stared at her, stunned. “What did you do to me?”

“I… I touched your scar.” She said, simply.

I exhaled shakily, dragging my hand from hers before I would forget myself completely.

“You shouldn't be here,” I reminded her as I stood up immediately. “You don't understand what you're playing with.”

“Then help me understand.” She said.

The plea in her voice almost undid him.

I turned my back to her, already clenching my fists. “If you knew what I was, you'd never touch me again.”

“Aaron?” she rose to her feet.

“Goodnight, Odette.” I mumbled as I made my way out of the room.

I could trust myself to stay with her. I couldn't let her touch me without catching that warmth.

On my way to my secret cabin, I met Caesar.

“I have new orders for you,” I began hastily. “Odette is to be placed under surveillance. She's forbidden from leaving the castle and don't let her wander into the forest at night. I don't want to risk hurting her.”

Caesar hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.

“Out with it.” I groaned as I sank into the plush armchair.

“How did your family find out about your marriage? It wasn't even made official.” He sighed.

I covered an arm over my face. “They have eyes and ears everywhere.”

“Do you think they know why you actually married Odette?”

I jolted from the chair and glared at it. “What did I say about mentioning that?”

“I didn't exactly mention it. I only asked.” He sighed. “But if they know the reason?”

“They don't,” I rose to my feet. “If they do, Odette would've been long dead by now.”