Episode 16

Days had passed since their last outing to the movies.

It was Friday again, and in keeping with tradition, he headed to the library. He had talked more with Lukyan, but not much. Nevertheless, he hoped that upon opening the door, he'd find him seated there, just like that time when he'd been waiting for him.

He opened the door full of hope, yet it was deserted. The spot was empty, and he let out a sigh. Glancing behind, there was no sign of him. Settling down in his usual seat, each time the door swung open, his gaze lifted, half-expecting to see him enter. As the minutes ticked by, Lukyan did not appear. A sadness crept over him, so profound he considered the possibility of tears. Then, just an hour before it was time to leave, the door opened, and there he was.

He wanted to smile but then he saw his bruised face and a wave of fear washed over him.

He remained seated, watching Lukyan approach and sit down.

"I thought you'd left already. I'm exhausted; wake me when you go."

Lukyan simply slumped forward, resting his face on his arms. He desperately wanted to ask what had happened, but he chose silence instead. He saw the bruise on Lukyan's cheek, his split lip, and injured knuckles. Swallowing hard, all he did was watch.

Lukyan was indeed asleep, but as he felt a touch on his face, he stirred, yet did not open his eyes. He felt Eley's gentle, careful caresses. His fingertips brushing his cheek sent a warm surge through his skin. His body reacted in an unfamiliar, inexplicable way to Eley's touch, quieting the fury within that had been stoked by a fight with some Alphas. Lukyan felt the redhead's touch was tender, sweet, delicate, perfect, as Eley ran his fingers through his hair, brushing strands from his face. Eley marveled at the softness, longing to keep touching. The sensation was like touching pure flame, and for an instant, he yearned to be wholly consumed.

As Lukyan could not endure any longer, thoughts he should not entertain filling his mind, he grabbed Eley's wrist, causing him to startle. He had assumed Lukyan was asleep, but that was not the case. His eyes, wild and dangerous, bore into Eley's, looking ready to completely devour him. His large fingers encircled Eley's wrist and pulled away, only then did Eley realize how close they had become. He couldn't remember closing the distance between them, but he could nearly feel Lukyan's breath on his face.

"Be careful," Lukyan said slowly and deliberately. "I'm not as in control as you might think."

Eley was at a loss for words, just gazing at him slowly. For a moment, he noticed Lukyan's eyes weren't completely blue or green but had flecks of gold in them.

Suddenly, Lukyan closed the gap, taking Eley's breath away. His heart pounded, and he looked down, unable to sustain eye contact. He felt perilously close to something dangerously exhilarating and beautiful. He felt Lukyan's large fingers tenderly touching his cheek, tucking his hair behind his ear.

He wanted to pull away but could barely breathe.

"You're breathing hard," Lukyan whispered. Despite noticing Eley's nervousness, he didn't move away. Instead, he leaned in even closer.

Eley's eyes dropped to look elsewhere as he tried to regain control, to clear his mind, calm his heart, a multitude of desires he knew he wouldn't fulfill.

"You're very beautiful," Lukyan murmured, nearly against his ear. "I wish you hadn't touched me because now I long to touch you, too."

Eley felt Lukyan's face near his neck, and the heat of his breath caused his skin to tingle.

Summoning some strength, Eley stood abruptly.

"I have to go," he blurted out and fled, slamming the library door behind him.

Lukyan watched until he, too, stood.

"Too slippery," he muttered to himself as he opened the door. He looked around, but Eley was nowhere to be seen, long gone on a bus.

While Eley arrived home, nearly desperate for peace, Lukyan reached his apartment feeling strange. The thought that Eley was different haunted him. No pheromones were present, but he'd felt an unusual response to Eley's proximity. He sighed and collapsed onto his bed while Eley headed into the shower to clear his head.

That night, neither could find sleep. They tossed and turned, each consumed with thoughts of the other. Closing their eyes only brought visions of one another that they couldn't shake. Eley ridiculed his obsession that disrupted his rest; he was tired and wanted to sleep. Lukyan, meanwhile, just stared at his ceiling. He'd brought many Betas back to his place, but for a moment, he could only imagine Eley in his bed. Running his hands over his face, he sat up, mirrored by the redhead who was feeling an incomprehensible heat.

Eley writhed in bed, frustrated, ending up tossing everything to the floor in anger. Lukyan did nothing; he was trying to process this unprecedented experience.

The next day, like any Saturday, he went out with his mother. He wasn't much for talking, and she noticed something was definitely amiss. She knew her children well, despite their belief otherwise. She understood what her twins did, and she clearly recognized Eley's emotions. She wanted to speak up but remained silent, as it was clear he didn't want to say anything.

The day dragged on uneventfully. Everyone sat at the dinner table, chatting and laughing, except for Eley, who remained silent. Everyone watched him, puzzled until his father simply asked:

"Eley, what's wrong? You haven't touched your food."

His father's words didn't reach him; he just stared at the plate.

"Eley."

No response.

"Eley, I'm speaking to you."

His gaze finally lifted, meeting his father's eyes.

"What's the matter?"

"That's what I'm trying to understand, why are you so quiet? You haven't commented on dinner."

"It's nothing. I'm fine."

"Lately, you don't even eat. What's bothering you? Or what have you done? Because if you're about to confess to something bad..."

"I haven't done anything."

"Or is it that you're keeping another secret from your brothers?"

"Why are we getting dragged into this?" the twins chimed in at once.

"Don't drive me insane by speaking in unison."

"We're not doing it on purpose," they repeated together, then turned to each other, "You did it. No, it was you. Stop mimicking me. You stop it. No, you."

Their father gave them a scowl, the same words from their mouths causing him a headache. He stood up to get a glass of water.

A small smile cracked on Eley's face; he knew they had deliberately distracted their father to give him respite. His mother shook her head at the twins, who offered her their most angelic, albeit unconvincing, grins. Once dinner was over, the redhead retreated to his room and lay down. Feeling unwell, he curled up in bed and closed his eyes.

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