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.

my trance. Cheeks heated up

 I pointed at the

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

step behind but my back collided with the door. He inched closer and placed his hand right beside my head. He moved closer, our bodies almost touching. The smell of

eyes down to every part of my face. It's as if he was etching

my heart was thumping. I was frozen to the spot. His face

when nothing came. And then I heard his

I took a long breath and did a few more until

of me and hands in

inside...yes...I think." I stuttered. I didn't wait for his reply as I turned the knob

good rest princess." I

much-needed and much-wanted sleep finally came over me and I

***

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

to accommodate the next season. I sat half awake, half-amused at my best friend's antsy behavior behind her wide smile standing beside

my neck sideways and did some arm stretching to fully awaken myself when my

arms wide and gladly fell back on

asked innocently. Her arms tucked behind

you do this time?" I asked,

Uhm I uhh may or may not

Now that's interesting.

with his babies." I decided to tease her a

 There 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 like ' butt