Chapter 337: Chapter 337 - Two Paths Diverge On A Street, And I...
Outside, the night had grown chilly, but of course it mattered little to me with the strange system perk. Even still, without any comment... the stupid wolf right on my heels shrugged out of her red coat and held it out to me after we exited onto the street.
Her eyebrow raised as mine narrowed. I couldn’t help but remember the blazer still in my things. I took it so very, very reluctantly from her... while turning off my Tolerance.
"It’s just a jacket, Citra. Not some proof you’ve accepted anything permanent."
Sliding my arms into too long sleeves that were still a bit warm just from the period of time she wore it down the skyscraper, I fought against the urge to bury my nose in the collar - and her scent - while airing out my own dupatta with one hand.
Stiffly stepping forward, I then slung it around her neck, just once, before turning around. I had to, as she had looked at me with... with that look on her face. Like I’m doing something special and meaningful.
> She can finish turning it into a scarf on her own! <
"Thank you. For dinner."
"My pleasure. Thank you... for humoring me. May I walk you back to your apartment?"
I started to refuse, feeling like I’ve indulged her more than enough... but I hesitated to say no. I also feel like I’ve been doing that an awful lot tonight! Both hesitating - and not saying no.
The small box I thought was quite light earlier weighed heavily in my hand. Or perhaps in my mind. I couldn’t quite piece it together, but I felt like something had changed between us tonight.
"Yes. You may."
Like each and every time I meet with her, things wiggle and change. Maybe my plan was just defeated too well by her consistent nature and I no longer... feel like fighting back as hard. Maybe even-
> Look. Will you stay out of my private fantasies? There is no need for you to redouble images from my own imagination in front of me, Vrika. You aren’t going to ’prove’ anything to me that way. <
It had been mostly quiet until now, as we began to walk through the night streets with its low breeze. Glaring down at the rolled over wolf lazily showing its stomach, I put my bare foot on its chest to keep it stuck in that position. Though it’s not like it *struggles* against me, since it can just mystically slip out any time it really wanted to.
Out in the real world, I found myself studying the beauty’s profile from my peripheral vision... while ignoring the blue glow of the system and the flickers in my eyes seen in shop windows. Kyrie Voss was extremely dangerous. To some individuals that might go without being said, just because she was a werewolf.
To others, it was because she is a powerful Alpha and/or CEO - depending on their primary life concerns. Respected and feared in her communities and undoubtedly for quite good reasons. But to me... it was because she made me want things I shouldn’t.
I clutched her jacket tighter around me, telling myself it was just for warmth - since I had not gone outside without the perk active in some time. But by the time we reached a certain point on the street and I zigged right when she zagged left?
I’d already made a decision. Out of the choices I felt I had on hand - and under foot.
"That’s not the way to-"
"I know. These past weeks, I’ve been preparing for my independence. For survival through what is coming - on my own terms. You know this."
Facing her while walking backwards, she nodded to my spiel while hurrying to catch up. Her expression gave nothing away of what she thought I was up to. By moving in a certain direction, toward a certain place.
"I’m not interested in being marked or claimed. By anyone. Ever."
"I understand."
She so easily said that in return to my statements, yet I could see the disappointment she tried to hide. It is not like she does not believe me when I say it She is just so... so stubborn and impossible to dissuade. If only I’d really ignored her completely.
> Or- or I don’t know. If this could have been avoided. Damn it to every single one of the nineteen hells, why am I... <
"All that being said, I’m not opposed to... letting us know each other better. Tonight."
"Each other?"
Orange sparks flickered brightly in her eyes as I slipped off her jacket and held it out for her to take back. Our fingers brushed in the exchange, probably intentionally by her, and the contact sent a jolt through me this time that I didn’t refuse to acknowledge tonight.
Those same digits reach up and brushed under her chin, scratching my nails against the jaw of the woman I intend to spend another night with. I shivered what must have been visibly, although I’d already made sure to let the system regulate my temperature again a minute before.
"...That does seem to be what I’ve let myself say, Kyrie. Come along now."
Tugging at my dupatta that is still around her neck, I turned to strut towards Lunarizon Tower. Towards her bedroom and whatever may happen... and I couldn’t decide if I’d just started down a path of irreparable errors - or made the first wise and deeply satisfying choice since arriving in this world.
> Perhaps both. Sometimes things can be both. Because the number two is quite harmonious. Which is basically me telling you not to be such a third wheel, Vrika. I don’t want to hear a lot of your howling and whimpering. <
I just want to hear hers... and most likely mine.
⧖ ☾ ❄ ☽ ⧖
The private elevator to the penthouse felt too slow. Her breathing had changed just slightly since we’d entered. Barely perceptible tension in her shoulders suggested she was exercising very considerable restraint.
> Her fingers even drummed once against the wall before she caught herself and stilled them. I’d almost think she was nervous. <
When she pauses to swipe her keycard again at the next door, just past the elevator, my fingers rub a circle on her lower back. But I don’t know if I’m trying to calm her down or not with that barely thought out motion.
"Would you like something to drink? Or just..."
Kyrie’s voice carried a note of uncertainty about the order of things as I gently push her inside her own home. It was endearing in a way that made my throat tighten, how she would just surrender to my actions despite her abilities.
"Actually, I’d like a moment to... prepare myself. I’ll use your guest bathroom, just in case you need to use your own."
Speaking from outside her threshold still, I watched as relief flickered across her features - whether at having a clear direction for a few minutes or at the suggestion of more to come... I couldn’t tell.
"Take all the time you need. I’ll just... be ready. Whenever you are."
She has been that way this whole time. Even if she wants to believe that is not an accumulating debt to me, I still want to ’pay’. Or so I think as I step in and remove my heels at the entrance.