Clay POV
I wasn't expecting her to call me, and the moment she spoke, her slurred words made it clear that she was drunk. It upset me, the sound of her intoxicated voice piercing through the phone, and I couldn't understand why. Maybe it was because I had assumed she was different. But what really set me off was learning that she was out with the very wolf I had to keep an eye on. The pounding of my heart drowned out the noise of the party I was at, and I left Liz and my work behind, heading straight to get her.
As I entered the bar and got her. I wanted to snap at her, to release the anger that was building up inside me, hoping it would drown out the growing feelings I had for this enigmatic girl. But as I carried her out, a strange sense of comfort washed over me, as if her body was meant to fit perfectly in my arms.
"I'm okay now," she slurred once we were inside her apartment.
I shook my head, disappointment and concern intertwining in my expression. "You've never been drunk before, have you?" I sighed, trying to hide my exasperation.
She shook her head, her unsteady movements making her dizzy. "Throw it up," I instructed, her stunned gaze meeting mine. "It will make you feel better." She remained silent, unsure of what to do. "I'll show you, come on," I said, taking her hand.
"No," she said sternly, resisting my guidance.
"Suit yourself," I replied, my frustration seeping into my words. "You'll regret it in the morning," I warned her.
"Why did you come?" she asked, leaning against the wall for support.
"You called me drunk," I responded, my curiosity piqued. I knew it wasn't for a simple ride home; there was something more to it.
"Yes, but I didn't ask for a ride," she said, her words laced with a mix of defiance and confusion.
"Then why did you call me?" I questioned, fully aware that it wasn't a pocket dial.
"I wanted to apologize," she admitted, her speech becoming more coherent. Was she sobering up this fast?
"That's a lie," I retorted, not fully believing her words.
"I was upset, okay?" she finally confessed, the vulnerability in her voice catching me off guard.
"Why?" I probed, hoping to understand the reasons behind her actions. But she shook her head, refusing to answer. "I'm okay now, Clay. Thank you for making sure I got home safe and bringing me to my apartment. I'll make it up to you," she said, her voice laced with a mix of gratitude and sadness.
"I'm not leaving. You're still really drunk. Just a few moments ago, you could barely stand on your own," I insisted, my concern outweighing any other obligations I had.
"Go back to your girlfriend. I promise I'm okay," she pleaded, her words tinged with hurt.
"I don't have a..." I started to say, then let out a defeated sigh. "You saw me with Liz, didn't you?" I reluctantly admitted. "Are you upset about that, Emma? Is that why you went out drinking?" I said, hoping for some clarity, for her to open up and share what was truly bothering her.
"I don't care who you are with and I went out because a new friend asked me to," she stated, her voice filled with a hint of defiance. But her words didn't convince me. As I approached her, I could see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.
"Don't," she pleaded, her voice tinged with a mix of fear and desperation. I ignored her plea, stepping even closer, until I could feel the coolness of the wall against my fingertips.
"Tell me the truth," I demanded, locking my gaze with hers. I could almost feel the intensity of her breath against my face as we stood inches apart. It was as if an invisible force had drawn me towards her, an inexplicable connection I had never experienced before.
"The truth is, I don't like men playing around. You're with Liz. Is it really appropriate for you to be in here with me?" She paused, her hand flying to her mouth.
I couldn't hold back any longer. I reached out, grabbing hold of her trembling hand. "You need to throw up," I said sternly, guiding her towards the bathroom.
I almost didn't get her to her toilet in time as I helped her into a kneeling position. I tried to hold her hair back, her body trembling with each heave. "That's it, get it all out," I said to her, the sound of her retching echoing in the small bathroom. After several minutes, when I was sure she was done, I helped her up and guided her to her sink, turning on the faucet. The sound of rushing water filled the room as I filled a cup and handed it to her. "Wash your mouth out," I instructed her. Luckily, she didn't fight me and did as I asked. As she rinsed her mouth, I grabbed her toothbrush and handed it to her.
"I'll be waiting outside the bathroom," I said.
After a few moments, she emerged, her face flushed a little. "You're right, I feel better. You really didn't have to do all that for me," she said gratefully.
"I'm not as big of a jerk as you think. Now, it's best you drink water and get some sleep," I said, the sound of concern in my voice. "I'll be on your couch," I added.
"You're staying?" she asked, surprise evident in her voice.
"Just because you threw up doesn't mean you're in the clear. You clearly consumed a lot," I explained.
She nodded and walked to her bed, grabbing a pillow and blanket. "Here," she said, surprising me with her thoughtfulness. "If you're going to stay, I don't want you to freeze," she added, her hand brushing against mine briefly before retracting as if touching me was poison.
"I saw you before we met in class," I said, breaking the silence. She looked at me confused.
"You were out on your balcony, I saw you looking out at the stars when most were out at parties. It looked as if you chose peace," I explained.
"I guess peace is one way to put it," she replied, walking towards her balcony door and stepping outside. I followed her, feeling the chill of the night air. She stood at the railing, her thin clothes providing little protection against the cold. I took a step closer, but she stopped me, her body language cautious.
"I'm not cold," she said with a contented smile. "I could sleep out here, honestly. The air, although lacking the freshness of my home, carries a soothing quality. And tonight, it's so silent, creating a peaceful atmosphere." She took a moment to look around, her eyes taking in the dimly lit surroundings. "It's nice," she admitted.
"Tell me, Clay, why did you really come to pick me up?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "I'll admit the truth to you, and I hope you do the same for me." She turned to face me, her gaze searching for honesty.
"I called you; it wasn't a pocket call. It was a drunk call," she confessed, her words laced with vulnerability. "I have to admit, knowing you were with Liz when you had earlier said there was nothing between the two of you, upset me." Her eyes met mine, and she spoke softly, "So why did you come, Clay? Because I don't believe it was simply due to me being drunk."
"I didn't want someone to take advantage of you," I admitted, my voice filled with genuine concern.
"You got upset when you realized who I was with." She said.
"I know he is not good; he has a bad reputation," I explained.
"But so do you, Clay. The campus is not small, yet I was warned quickly to stay away from you," she confessed, her words laced with a touch of defiance. "But here I am, standing with you, giving you a chance. I trust you not to take advantage of me, and I have good judgment, just as I trust Ryan. So maybe learn not to judge someone based on rumors. Get to know them first," she concluded, her tone unwavering.
With that, she walked inside, leaving me to contemplate her words. "Good thing there are no classes tomorrow," she remarked, her voice drifting back to me. "Sleep well, Clay." She disappeared into her bedroom, leaving the door cracked as a silent reassurance.
I settled onto her couch, realizing that she was sober enough now that I didn't need to worry. However, I found myself unable to leave. The truth was, I liked her. My anger over the presence of a wolf near her wasn't solely driven by protectiveness; it was also fueled by jealousy. I wanted her, not just as a fleeting encounter, but as something more meaningful. However, I knew that involving her in the dangerous world of hunters was not an option.
Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard a sound next to me. I opened my eyes to find her placing a glass of water on the table.
"Sorry," she murmured. "I got some for myself and wanted to make sure you had some if you needed it." As she started to walk away, I couldn't let her go.
My heart raced, pounding in my chest like a drum. I reached for her hand. My instincts took over, overpowering my rational thoughts. I grasped onto her hand, holding onto her as if she were the only lifeline in a stormy sea.
"Clay," she questioned, her voice tinged with curiosity and apprehension. I stood up, and mustered the courage to speak my truth. "What if I told you Liz and I were nothing but an act? Her family works with mine, and we've been asked to be seen as a couple for business purposes, nothing more."
Her eyes searched mine. "I would believe you, at first," she finally spoke, her words laced with caution. "Yet, it would be your actions moving forward that determined if my trust should remain."
I took a deep breath."What if I asked for you to give me a chance behind closed doors? My family's business is complicated. I can't be seen with another, yet I can't get you out of my mind. It's driving me crazy," I confessed, the words tumbling out in a rush.
Her voice, barely above a whisper, carried a sense of inner struggle. "I can't do that," she replied, her gaze shifting away. It was as if she was forcing herself to refuse, fighting against her own desires. I reached out, gently cupping her face in my other hand, urging her to look at me.
As her eyes turned back to mine, I couldn't hold myself back any longer. I leaned in and kissed her, the world around us fading into a blur. Her lips, soft and velvety, tasted like a bittersweet melody, as if they were made for me, meant for me. But all too soon, she pushed her hands against me, breaking the moment.
Her body trembled slightly, a visible sign of her inner turmoil. She took a deep breath. "I can't be more than a friend to you right now," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of longing and determination. "Until I can gain more trust in you, I'll give you a chance because I do like you, just as you like me. But we can't be kissing and getting closer right now. For the closer I get, the sharper the sting of betrayal will feel if you are not being sincere.”
"I'm not a quick one night stand or a girl that will spread my legs like the others," she said firmly, her voice laced with determination. As I looked into her eyes, a glimmer of vulnerability shone through.
"Even if I'm attracted to you, even if I feel something right now, I refuse to act on it immediately," she continued, her voice tinged with caution.
I nodded in understanding, the weight of her words sinking in.
"I need to be able to trust you, to believe you, to know you," she added, her voice filled with a mix of hope and apprehension.
"So that means you will give me a chance then, we start as friends and really get to know each other," I proposed, my voice steady yet hopeful.
"Yes," she replied, a hint of a smile forming on her lips. "I can do that." I let out a relieved sigh, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. The softness of the couch beneath me provided comfort as I settled back into it.
"I'm glad," I said sincerely, my voice filled with gratitude. She turned and started walking back towards her room, the sound of her footsteps echoing softly in the hallway. I watched her retreating figure, a mixture of emotions swirling within me.
"Now rest well, Clay," she said softly, her voice carrying a sense of reassurance. I closed my eyes, the weight of the moment hanging in the air. The stillness of the room embraced me, as I contemplated the path ahead. I knew there might be regrets, but I couldn't ignore the undeniable feelings I had for her.