The curse of the wolf

Emotions run High

*Griff*

Anaïs stammers, her eyes wide and uncertain. “I’m... I’m okay, Griff. He didn’t hurt me. He just... caught me off guard. Who was that?”

“Edward, Jean, take Anaïs someplace safe,” I instruct, still keeping my eyes locked on Llewelyn in the hallway as he gets up and strides back towards us. “Get her something to drink and make sure she stays with you.”

Edward nods and I hear him use his abilities of compulsion, his voice taking on a hypnotic tone. “Anaïs, come with us. Everything will be okay.”

Anaïs’s expression grows blank, and she begins to follow Edward and Jean without protest, her previous confusion seemingly forgotten. At least she is not scared.

Once I’m certain that Anaïs is safe, I step into the hallway and confront Llewelyn. My brother is laughing, low and satisfied, clearly enjoying the chaos he has created.

I get right in his face, forcing him to stop. He looks at me like I am an annoying pet vying for his attention.

“Stay away from her, Llewelyn,” I growl, my anger boiling over.

Llewelyn grins wickedly, clearly relishing in my fury. “Oh, come on, Griff. I just wanted a little taste of your sweet mate. You know how much I love pushing your buttons.”

My hands are clenched into fists, and I struggle to contain the rage coursing through me. “If you ever go near Anaïs again, I swear I will tear you apart, limb from limb.”

Llewelyn smirks, unfazed by my threat. “We will see about that, baby brother. But for now, I will leave you to your little mate alone, at least for tonight. I am bored with you.”

With that, he saunters away, leaving me seething with anger and worry. I know that Llewelyn’s actions were meant to provoke me, but the thought of him getting close to Anaïs fills me with dread. I have to protect her, no matter what it takes.

I take a deep breath to calm myself before reentering the ballroom, brushing off my clothes to regain some semblance of composure. The music and laughter now seem to mock me, but I force myself to focus on finding Anaïs.

As I navigate through the crowd, I notice Anaïs’s fiancé, Mathis, deep in conversation with a group of people. He seems oblivious to the drama that just unfolded, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of resentment towards him. He should be the one protecting Anaïs, but instead, it falls on me.

Shaking off these thoughts, I continue to the sitting room where Edward and Jean have taken Anaïs. I find them seated on a plush sofa, with Anaïs sipping brandy from a crystal glass. Her eyes are still slightly unfocused, but the color has returned to her cheeks.

“Anaïs, are you feeling better?” I ask gently, taking a seat beside her.

She looks up at me, her gaze clearing somewhat. “Yes, thank you, Griff. The brandy helps. Are you okay?”

I chuckle softly, reaching out to take the brandy from her hand. “I’m fine. But you don’t need to get drunk, Anaïs.” I glance at Jean and Edward, raising an eyebrow. “You two didn’t need to get her tipsy.”

Edward shrugs apologetically, while Jean grins sheepishly. “We thought it might help her relax.”

I shake my head, waving them off. I do not need them hanging over us. “Leave us for a moment, please. Go keep an eye on the troublemaker.”

Edward and Jean exchange glances, then nod and leave the room, closing the door behind them.

I turn my attention back to Anaïs, taking her hand gently in mine. “Are you really okay? I’m sorry I couldn’t prevent that from happening.”

Anaïs offers me a small, reassuring smile. “Yes, I’m alright, Griff. Thank you for stepping in when you did. I think I… I kinda froze.”

Her expression turns curious, and she hesitates before asking, “Who was that man? He reminded me so much of you, but he clearly wasn’t you.”

I sigh, not wanting to lie to her but also reluctant to divulge the whole truth. “That was my brother, Llewelyn. We have... a complicated history. I just want you to be careful and stay away from him, okay?”

Anaïs nods, her eyes filled with concern, but it seems to be aimed at me, not herself. “I will, Griff. I promise.”

As we sit together in the dimly lit room, I can’t shake the feeling that this is far from the last time Llewelyn will try to cause trouble. But for now, I’m grateful that Anaïs is safe, and I vow to do everything in my power to keep it that way.

*Anaïs*

As Griff speaks, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease settling in my chest. His brother, Llewelyn, looked so much like him. Yet there was a darkness in his eyes, a wildness that sent shivers down my spine. His touch, even for that brief moment, felt like ice against my skin, and I couldn’t suppress the shudder that ran through me.

Griff’s hand is warm and comforting, and I find myself clinging to it as if it’s my lifeline. The fact that he’s so protective of me, even when it’s his own brother causing the threat, is both heartwarming and terrifying. After all, I am just a nobody in his world, right?

“I don’t understand,” I murmur, searching his eyes for answers. “Why would your brother want to hurt me? What did I do to him?”

Griff hesitates, his jaw clenched as if he is fighting a battle within himself. Finally, he sighs, running a hand through his hair. “It’s not you, Anaïs. Llewelyn has always been... difficult. He’s jealous, untamed, and unpredictable. I think he sees you as a way to provoke me, to get under my skin.”

I frown, feeling a spark of anger ignite within me. “That’s not fair. I don’t want to be a pawn in whatever twisted game he’s playing.” I hesitate for a moment. “And why?”

Griff’s expression softens, and he squeezes my hand reassuringly. “I won’t let that happen, Anaïs. I will do everything I can to protect you, I promise.”

The sincerity in his voice stirs something deep within me, and I can’t help but feel drawn to him even more, despite him ignoring the last question. It’s strange, considering I’m supposed to be marrying Mathis, but Griff’s presence feels like a balm to my soul, calming my fears and giving me a sense of security.

“Thank you, Griff,” I whisper, my heart swelling with gratitude. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

He smiles, and for a moment, the heaviness in the room lifts as we share a connection that feels inexplicably powerful. But as the seconds tick by, I can’t ignore the nagging feeling in the back of my mind that Llewelyn’s presence has brought a storm that’s far from over.

Before I can voice my concerns, the door to the sitting room opens, and Mathis steps in, his eyes widening in surprise when he sees Griff and me holding hands. “Anaïs, are you alright?” he asks, concern etched on his face.

I quickly let go of Griff’s hand, my cheeks warming with guilt. “Yes, I’m fine, Mathis. Just... a bit shaken. Someone crossed the line with me. The marquess was kind enough to stay and ensure I was alright.”

Mathis’ gaze flickers between us, and a wave of sympathy washes over me. He deserves to know the truth, but how can I explain something even I don’t fully grasp?

“I’m glad to hear that,” Mathis says, his eyes briefly meeting Griff’s before returning to me. “Thanks for looking after her, but I can take it from here.”

As I rise to my feet, attempting to release Griff’s hand, he tightens his grip and stands up alongside me. “You’re welcome, but I’m not quite ready to part with this captivating young lady just yet. I believe she promised me a waltz.”