The White Wolf Chapter 132: A Glimpse

His breath hitched in his throat as the door opened. It was silent in the room. His eyes looked for her finding her bed empty and still made. 

The rhythmic beating of chest echoed in his ears. Never before had he been this nervous. Countless rogues and enemies he had faced down and fought to the death but this was all new. 

His chest tightened. It was torture. If he could cut out his heart with his bare hands and offer it to her, he would if only to please her. Which is why he came here, ready to lay himself bare to her for just a chance. The walls he had built up over the years brick by brick cracked a little bit every time he was in her presence. 

Drawn to a small flicker of light coming from a candle on the far side of the room his gaze followed it like a moth. 

Seated at a desk in front of an open window, Cynthia turned to look at the intruder. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was open in shock as the night air blew her hair. The curtains fluttered as time seemed to stand still. 

Her body was clothed in a long white nightgown with long sleeves that did its best to cover every piece of skin. Even in such a modest article of clothing, Enzo’s gaze burned. 

Pieces of paper lay in front of her as a pen slipped through her grasp landing on the wooden desk. A forgotten cup of tea had long turned cold in its porcelain vessel. Her processions were scattered about the room giving the briefest look into her desires. 

A book on the nightstand. Shoes discarded by the armoire. A locket around her neck. 

Her red lips stayed open in shock, a sight that enthralled Enzo. 

The blood in his veins pounded through his body, every instinct in him called out to him to claim. He clenched his fists doing his best to control himself. 

The clock in the room ticked as the only sign that the world had not indeed stopped. They stared at one another 

Remembering herself, Cynthia rushed to grab her robe, wrapping it around her as she added to the layers of clothing on her body. She stopped in the middle of the room, her bare feet on the ornate rug. 

“What are you doing here?” She asked with a knitted brow and her arms around her midsection. 

Remembering himself, Enzo stepped in closing the door behind him. “We need to talk.” Keeping his composure tested the limits of his restraint as he tried to seem nonchalant. 

“Here? Now? Have you lost your mind?” She said in disbelief. Her eyes were opened as wide as they could go. 

“Yes” 

He could not deny he was out of his mind, acting completely out of character. But he could not just skulk about like a pathetic fool. He had to take charge. The consequences be damned. 

“Do you realize how bad it would be if someone discovers you here or worse my brother?” She almost shrieked. 

It was completely improper for a male who was not a member of her family to enter her chambers. Were they discovered she would have the reputation of a gemstone daughter.

“Yes.” He said unconcerned. Any trace of caring was gone for Enzo as he had almost turned completely feral. 

“It could put the alliance at risk or worse start a war. If a war starts countless will die, not just soldiers but innocent citizens as well. It could affect trade and food production. Don't get me started on the emotional toll it will take on the citizens.” She lectured him like any good daughter of a diplomat would do. Enzo enjoyed seeing her temper as she always seemed so meek. The passion in her voice placed a smile on his face. 

“Are you even listening to me?” She eyed him skeptically. 

“Of course I am. The world will end if I stay here a minute longer.” He smirked and rolled his eyes. 

“It is not good for you to be here. You need to leave.” She motioned to the door. 

“Because you’re engaged.” His tone dropped in a deadly serious manner. 

She startled looking at him surprised “Yes.”

“You are my mate.” Enzo declared. 

“I know.” her voice came out in a whisper but held a mix of emotions in it. 

“Why are you ignoring it? Why are you ignoring this? Why are you ignoring me?” He said crossing the room in a storm of hurt and conflict. He reached for her but let his arms drop back. 

“Because I have to.” Her voice cracked and tears filled her eyes. 

“Why?” He whispered searching her face for clues to end his confusion. His stomach was in knots as heartache threatened to take hold of him. 

“It’s the way things are.” The absolution in her voice was a whisper but firm. 

“To hell it is.” He growled. 

His emotions and frustrations bubbled to the surface. 

She took a step back and held herself tighter. “You should go.”

“I’m sorry.” He apologized. The sight of her having even the hint of fear of him cracked his heart. Calming himself he tried to coax her as he would a hurt animal. “Please just explain it to me.” 

She looked into his eyes debating what to say. “My father arranged the engagement. It would be for the benefit of the family.”

“Do you love him?” The desperation showed in his voice. 

“Do I love him? I don’t even know him?! Do you think I want I want to be mated to a stranger?” Outrage bubbled in her as she unleashed it on him. She threw her arms to her sides as her hands turned to fists. 

“I don’t know.” He held up his hands in surrender. 

“That’s right, you don’t because you don’t know me either.” She laughed with no humor in her voice. 

“You are my mate.” 

“But do you know me?” She placed her hand on her chest as she looked into his eyes. Her piercing gaze held him in place. 

“I want to know you.” He confessed to her. 

“You know what I want? To be free. Free from expectations and responsibilities. Free from saving my family because my father squandered our money and so instead he sold me off like a broodmare to pay off his debts.” The words spilled out of her like running water making her unable to stop the flood till it spilled to her eyes. Tears ran down her cheeks and she began to have trouble breathing as the tears increased. 

Enzo took in everything she said letting it wash over him. His emotions were a mix of hurt and anger. 

Carefully, he brought his hands to her shoulders before bringing her into his embrace. The sobs increased she let her body melt into his seeking the primal comfort of her mate. 

He held her as she cried stroking the back of her head down her hair. 

The words that left his lips were soothing even if he did not know what he was saying. He could smell the salty tears that ran down her cheeks as he held her taking her body in his arms as he tried to give her every ounce of support he could manage. 

When her small body was cried out, he felt her slip into a slumber. Picking her up bridal style, delicately carried her across the room and tucked her into bed straightening the sheets with her head resting on pillows. 

Running his hand along her face, he moved the hair from her face. Her cheeks had streaks from the tears. A sight he did not enjoy. He picked up the locket that hung at her neck between his fingers rubbing it with his thumb before laying it back down. 

With even breaths, she continued to sleep as he watched her. He still had unanswered questions but at least he got to see a glimpse into her mind. 

He would be back. He had no choice, every day a little piece of him belonged more to her. Gently he leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead. The briefest touch of the lips but the most potent drug he had ever taken. He closed his eyes breathing in her scent. 

Straightening himself, he turned and went for the door pausing only slightly before leaving the room and his sleeping mate.