Page 7 of Outcast
He used his hand to guide mine to settle over his chest, right above his heart, laying my palm flat against him. The erratic beating of his heart matched my own, almost eerie in its synchronization.
"Look at me, Kitten," He practically whispered, a tenderness to his words that scared the shit out of me.
No. I would not fall for his act or whatever purpose he sought.
Just yesterday, we’d acted blissfully ignorant of each other, and today, it felt like two opposing forces magnetically drawn together.
My lips opened and closed multiple times before I managed to stutter out, "I...I can't."
His corded muscles pulled his black t-shirt deliciously taut over his chest and arms. I trained all of my focus on those areas in an effort to ignore the desire to look up at him.
I nibbled my lower lip softly as his hand held my chin lightly, the soft pressure tilting my head back ever so slightly. Before our gazes could lock, I ripped my head from his grip and pushed past him, bumping my shoulder against him as I went.
My chest heaved from the tension between us, but I knew that he would never truly be interested in someone like me. A mere human. And honestly, how could I forget all the years he’d just stood by and watched the others’ relentless bullying of me?
"Kitten—"
I cut him off, calling back over my shoulder with a bite to my words, "Don'tcall me that. My name is Kira. I'll be at the meeting in a few minutes. Stop following me."
I heard his feet crunch against the gravel as he moved to follow me, and it ignited a fury in me I wasn't aware I possessed. I whirled around and let my contempt bleed across my features.
"Did I not make myself clear? Stop following me. There is nothing we need to discuss, and no reason for us to linger around each other."
He halted mid-step and placed his hands into the front pockets of his dark-wash jeans. A flash of disappointment crossed his face.
"Kira, can you honestly deny that you don't feel whatever this is between us? I've never felt this type of pull in my life."
My heart fluttered at his words and the sincerity with which he spoke them, but I dared not believe him. Not when he'd never shown me an ounce of kindness before, and he could find the other half of his wolf's soul tonight.
My face softened, and I turned halfway around before responding, my long hair fluttering lightly around my shoulders.
"It's not fair for you to tell me things like that when we both know this can never lead to more. Why now of all times? Where was this pull between us when you stood by and watched me be harassed constantly?” My words held pain and sorrow within them, not that he’d care though, which was blatantly clear by his clenched jaw and silence.
“You're lucky enough to have the opportunity to find your fated mate tonight. Don't let anything get in the way of that. I know I wouldn't if I was given the chance..." I trailed off, the disappointment of being an outcast human consuming my mind once more.
His continued silence served as answer enough, so I continued on towards my cabin, ready to forget about the past hour completely.
As I finished the quick walk to my home, I couldn't help but glance behind me to see if he’d followed.
The path was empty, and I quickly worked to shove down the sliver of disappointment that reared its ugly head. This was for the best. I already felt guilty enough about my attachment to Milo. I didn't need to complicate my life—or any of theirs—more than I already had.
I hurried to stow my bathing and make-up kit and gave myself a quick once-over in the floor-length mirror in the corner of my room.
My tanned skin contrasted beautifully with the white of my dress, despite its simple design. My hair had dried in soft, white waves that cascaded down my back to my waist. My black eyeliner lightly lined my bright blue eyes, and my normally white lashes were curled and full from the mascara I'd used. A pale pink blush stained my cheeks, and a clear gloss coated my full lips to finish off the look.
It wasn't much, but I made do with what I had. Every month, a few of the pack members made a supply run into the nearest town and to complete trade deals for lumber. It was the main source of income for us during the winter months.
While they were there, someone would collect the laundry list of items requested by the women for our basic wants and needs. I only ever managed to get whatever items remained in the pile after everyone had already picked through.
I slipped on my white sandals, squared my shoulders, and released a deep breath.
“You can do this, Kira. Just get through the night.”
Being around the entire pack was not my idea of a good time, but hopefully I would stay busy enough with stocking the food and refreshments that no one would pay attention to me and the night would go quickly.
* * *
As I approachedthe back porch of the dining hall, I entered through the french doors to the kitchen. I didn’t want to alert the pack to my presence until it was absolutely necessary. I made quick work of getting the serving platters out and assembling the finger foods on them.
