Free Web NovelChapter 131: Chapter 131 Running Away
Sylvia’s POV
As the morning light filtered through the curtains, I slowly opened my eyes, vision blurry with sleep. The first thing I registered was a warm, solid wall of muscle directly in front of me. Not fully awake, I blinked several times before realizing I was staring at Caesar’s chest.
Panic surged through me as reality crashed in. I pushed against him, creating distance between our bodies. "What are you doing here?" I blurted out.
Caesar’s silver-blue eyes widened in surprise, his expression shifting from peaceful contentment to confusion. "Should I not be here? Last night we—"
The memories flooded back with startling clarity—his kisses, his touch, the words I’d whispered in the heat of passion. My cheeks burned as I recalled how eagerly I’d surrendered to him. Weren’t we supposed to be adversaries? Hadn’t I been determined to keep him at arm’s length? fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
Caesar watched the play of emotions across my face, a knowing glint appearing in his eyes. "I see you remember now," he said, his deep voice thick with amusement and something else—satisfaction.
I averted my gaze, unable to meet those penetrating eyes that seemed to see straight through my defenses.
The bond between us hummed with contentment, but my mind was racing. I could confirm Helena wasn’t the long-lost love he pined for, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t some kind of substitute. Perhaps last night was merely our wolves satisfying a primal need—nothing more.
"Sivi," Caesar reached for me as I slipped from the bed, but I was already heading for the bathroom.
"We should talk about this," he called after me.
"Later," I promised without looking back. "I really do have meetings today."
I closed the bathroom door and leaned against it, heart pounding. The woman in the mirror looked thoroughly loved—hair tousled, lips slightly swollen, and unmistakable marks blooming along my collarbone and breasts. Evidence of Caesar’s possession.
After a quick shower, I wrapped myself in a towel and peeked out. Caesar was sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing only his sweatpants, looking like some pagan god contemplating his next conquest.
"You’re running," he said simply.
"I’m working," I corrected, slipping past him to grab clothes from the closet. "There’s a difference."
"The mate bond doesn’t disappear in daylight, Sylvia."
I paused, my back to him. "I know that. But neither do my responsibilities."
His warm hands settled on my shoulders, turning me to face him. "Last night wasn’t just sex for me," he said, his expression uncharacteristically vulnerable. "You know that, right?"
For a moment, I allowed myself to drown in those silver-blue eyes that seemed to see straight through my defenses. "I need time," I whispered honestly. "This is all happening so fast."
Caesar nodded slowly, his thumb tracing my cheekbone. "Take the time you need. I can be patient." He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. "But don’t doubt what’s between us, little wolf. "
I dressed quickly in a sleek business suit, applying makeup with practiced precision. Caesar watched me from the bed, his eyes following my every movement with predatory focus.
"Will you be back tonight?" he asked as I gathered my things.
"I’m not sure," I replied honestly. "There’s a lot happening at Frostline right now."
As I made my way down the hall toward the front door, my heightened senses detected another presence. I followed the scent to the kitchen, where I found Helena perched at the breakfast bar, nursing a cup of coffee.
Her eyes widened as they took in my appearance, immediately zeroing in on a mark Caesar’s mouth had left just below my jaw—one I hadn’t noticed while applying concealer.
"Well, well," she drawled, her voice dripping with venom. "Looks like someone had an eventful night. Who knew the ice princess could thaw?"
I felt my spine stiffen. "Good morning to you too, Helena."
"Enjoying your little vacation in the Wolf King’s den?" She set her cup down with unnecessary force. "Don’t get too comfortable. Caesar has always had... diverse tastes."
My wolf bristled at the implied insult, but I kept my expression neutral. "Funny, he never mentioned you as one of them."
Her cheeks flushed an ugly red. "You think you’re special? You’re just the flavor of the month. When he tires of you—"
"He asked me to be his mate," I cut in smoothly, watching with satisfaction as her face crumpled. It was petty, but I couldn’t resist twisting the knife. "And my wolf accepted. The Moon Goddess herself couldn’t break that bond now."
Helena’s coffee cup shattered in her grip, dark liquid spilling across the marble countertop. "You’re lying," she hissed.
"Am I?" I tilted my head, allowing her a better view of the mark on my neck. "Ask him yourself."
I heard Caesar’s approaching footsteps before I saw him, his powerful aura preceding him into the room. He paused in the doorway, taking in the scene with a raised eyebrow.
"Everything alright here?" he asked, his tone deceptively casual.
Helena quickly composed herself, though her hands trembled slightly. "Just girl talk," she simpered. "I was telling Sylvia how delighted I am that she’s staying with us."
Caesar’s eyes flickered between us, clearly unconvinced. "How thoughtful of you."
I smiled sweetly at Helena. "She’s been absolutely charming. Though she seems to have had an accident with her coffee. Perhaps she needs steadier hands."
Turning to Caesar, I smoothed my expression into something more professional. "I need to head to Frostline. The Vertex project report is due today."
He nodded, moving to kiss my cheek—a deliberate display for Helena’s benefit. "I’ll see you later," he murmured against my skin. "Be safe."
I felt Helena’s glare burning into my back as I left, but I couldn’t suppress the small smile of triumph that curved my lips.
