Barely Breathing

Done with the run, it felt good to be out in the cool air. Violet was ecstatic that we both didn't notice we had been gone for hours, not until the first ray of dawn shown at the endless starry night. Sunset is beautiful but sunrise is magical. It denotes hope, a new day to live and start over again.

I watched the first moment of sunrise before I decided to go back. On my way to my room, I passed the alpha's office and saw a light coming from the slightly open door. Strange. Is he up this early?

Taking a sneak peek at the door, I saw Xyrus reading some papers on his desk. His hair was still wet like he just got out of the shower moments ago. The air has the fresh scent of a water bath and it's relaxing.

He smelled really good. He was wearing a dirty white cotton shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He was holding a pen, brows knitted together, and appeared to be thinking hard. I can't deny the fact that he is so... so... gorgeous.

"I don't mind you staring but would you like to come in? " His lips twitched in a smile though he's not taking his eyes off the folder in his hand.

I quickly stood up straight and mulled over between actually coming in or running to my room and act as nothing happened.

"Willow." He called.

Deciding the latter fits best, I walked sneakily going to my room's direction when the sound of a door opening wide echoed the hallway followed by footsteps. That made my steps faster.

"Willow, wait up."

Thankfully, I reached my room and about to turn the knob. That's the moment he caught up with me.

"What is this, playing hide and seek?" He laughed heartily and boy wasn't his laugh masculine and deep.

I let go of the knob and took a deep breath before turning to him. Carter's words traitourously replaying in my mind making me feel unease.

"Xyrus..." I looked into his eyes and my words caught up in my throat.

'The way Xyrus looks at you' were Carter's words. And for the first time, I noticed how warm and intense his gaze held mine giving me the feeling of security like nothing could harm me. Something changed between us but I can't figure it out yet.

of my trance. Cheeks

uh sleep." I pointed

brows knitted together, taking one step forward. "It's 4 a.m.

hand right beside my head. He moved closer, our bodies almost touching. The smell of raindrops and the

face. It's as if he was etching it on his mind.

I was frozen to the spot. His face slowly moving closer and closer and I closed

nothing came. And then I heard his voice whispered in

breath and did a few more until my breathing became normal

in his pockets. He was

stuttered. I didn't wait for his reply

princess." I

and much-wanted sleep finally came over me and

***

much enthusiasm followed by a swishing sound of a blinding light that sure is

started to disappear to accommodate the next season. I sat half awake, half-amused at my

the sleep off my eyes. I bend my neck sideways and did some arm stretching

wide and gladly fell back on bed closing my eyes.

what?" She asked innocently. Her arms tucked behind her, a habit of hers

do this time?" I asked,

uhh may or may not stole Gabb's babies?" She gave a

Now that's interesting.

jealous now with his babies." I decided

she goes being all defensive. "He purposely shoved me during the training this morning. I was humiliated. I hate him!" She ranted and mumbled something