Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 87

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
By R. Joseph

Kael.

Once everyone had departed, I found myself lingering behind. I had spun a tale to my brothers and Chalice, claiming I needed to take a drive around town to clear my mind. But the truth was far less innocent; I had a singular destination in mind—Leilani’s house.

Yet, as I parked outside her home, I was struck by an inexplicable paralysis. My heart thudded wildly against my ribcage, each beat echoing the urgency of my desire to see her. My knuckles turned white as I gripped the steering wheel, staring at her front door with a mixture of longing and fear. But despite the fervent need within me, my body refused to cooperate.

I needed to see her. I needed to speak to her. But courage eluded me like a fleeting shadow.

With a heavy sigh, I turned the key in the ignition, preparing to leave this place behind when, as if the universe had conspired to intervene, her front door swung open. My breath caught in my throat as she emerged, dressed in a pair of soft grey shorts and a simple black tank top. Her hair was pulled back into a casual ponytail, and the remnants of her makeup had been washed away, leaving her face refreshingly bare.

In that moment, she was breathtaking. No, she was more than that—she was ethereal, a vision of understated beauty.

I felt a primal urge surge within me, an overwhelming desire to draw closer, to envelop her in my arms.

Goodness, Kael! Get a grip!

Logically, I should have driven away. I should have averted my gaze from her, from the way she effortlessly tossed a garbage bag toward the bin outside. I should have turned my back when her hips swayed with an intoxicating grace.

But instead, I found myself rooted to the spot, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts.

“Leilani!”

The name slipped out before I even realized what I was doing. As if struck by lightning, she froze mid-motion and turned to face me. But the moment her eyes met mine, a shadow passed over her expression, and the serene aura that had enveloped her dissipated like mist in the morning sun.

Does she really despise me that much?

‘If I were her, I’d feel the same way,’ Zephyr, my wolf, murmured in my mind. I brushed aside his comments, focusing solely on Leilani.

She took a step back, tossed the garbage into the bin, and hurried toward the safety of her home. But I was quicker. I didn’t even recall when I exited my car or how I managed to close the distance between us. All I knew was that my hand had wrapped around her wrist, compelling her to spin around and meet my gaze with a fierce glare.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she growled, her voice laced with irritation.

At that moment, my mind went blank, a vast emptiness where words should have flowed. I stuttered, struggling to articulate my thoughts. Her raised eyebrows and tilted head only added to my embarrassment.

“Cat got your tongue?” she teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

No, it wasn’t a cat that had silenced me; it was the overwhelming urge to kiss her senseless.

What is wrong with me? When did I become this desperate?

“I just wanted to talk,” I finally managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

She regarded me with disbelief, then shrugged her arm free, crossing them defiantly over her chest as she tapped her foot impatiently. “You can start talking now. I have a guest, and you’re wasting my time.”

The words hit me like a physical blow.

Against my better judgment, I let my eyes drift down her figure, taking in how alluring her attire was, how it clung to her curves in a way that made it hard to breathe. Her long legs were on full display, and I couldn’t help but think they looked far more appealing than the Fettucine Alfredo I had for breakfast.

My throat suddenly felt parched, and I swallowed hard. “I wanted us to talk somewhere more… private.” I gestured around us, hoping she would understand my unspoken plea to enter her home.

Leilani glanced around, then shrugged nonchalantly. “Here’s just fine. We should talk here.”

“Why can’t we go inside?” I snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface. Her eyes narrowed as she shot me a look that could freeze fire.

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