CHAPTER FOUR

My eyes open lazily, as I take in the rising smoke from an old pot.

"Hell." I yawn aloud, rubbing my eyes with the back of my palms. Opening my eyes wider, the now unfamiliar room and the realization hits.

I shoot forward, pain searing through my stomach like acid and I scream, guarding the area with one hand, and the second on the wrapper resting on my chest, to hold it in place.

The door opens and someone walks in... The cute stranger. He's wearing the same sleeveless shirt he had on when I last saw him.

"Someone finally wakes up." He grins.

I don't respond to his words or goofy grin as I still struggle to sit up.

He rushes to my side, and as rigid as I am, I jab his hand before it can rest on my shoulder.

"Keep off." My weak voice betrays me cheaply.

He snorts. "A rather better view."

"I'm not an artifact, we need to establish that." I sigh. "Stop gawking already."

"Not with the best package in sight." He laughs casually.

I look perplexed for a moment, before looking down to see my magnanimous and luscious racks, on display with nipples that are arrogantly pointing at its victim.

In haste, I pull the cloth to my chest, avoiding his fixed gaze. My cheeks are flushed, this isn't how I plan to introduce myself to my mate... Not in the attire of a lust, dirty, and hungry soul.

"I'm Hendrix..."

"I know." I say before I can catch myself.

He tilts his head to get a better view of my face. "You know?"

I hesitate, thinking of a proper lie. "I know...that you would introduce yourself." I manage.

"Of course, it's only ethical."

"I know." Again, I sound dumb.

He stops to look at me.

I open my mouth to speak then shut it, and open it again. "I know that you saved my life and you want me to remain indebted."

He doesn't respond, rather he comes closer and stands behind me as he bends downward.

His breath a cool sensation on the nape of my neck. When he opens his mouth to speak, the strong smell of mint and spicy flavor infiltrates the air, rendering me absolutely paralyzed.

"You know right, and wrong." He begins, his whisper makes my heart skip beats unwillingly.

"I saved the life of the sexiest demi-god, Lady Natalie..."

He fucking knows me? Of course, the only child of Alpha Greg, what was I expecting?

"...and I feel fulfilled. So, no. I don't want you to feel indebted," He pauses as he leans downward, the tip of his nostrils caressing my bare skin.

"I want you to remember me."

He wraps his coarse palm loosely around the length of my slender neck. Though loose, but tight enough to seize my breath for a moment. He props my chin upward with his other palm so I look him directly in the eyes... those beautiful sea-blue eyes.

I gasp for want of air and his touch.

Gently, he runs the curve of my face with the tip of his nose, his warm breath on my cool skin.

I part my lips, desperately wanting for him to close the gap. As dominant as I could be, I arch forward, taking the lead.

"You seem perfect. But I recommend you stay in bed for a day or two." He lets go of my throat and stands erect.

Damn! A wave of embarrassment sweeps through me.

"I will leave you to rest. Feel free to call on me if you need anything, anything at all." With that, he walks away.

I fall flat on the bed, vexed. Oddly, the mere thought of his rejection makes me wet. Never have I been rejected so subtly. I blow out air, making silly ripples with my lips in a childlike fashion.

'... anything at all, what does he mean?'

'He wants us, Natalie..." My wolf is delighted.

'Oh, please. With the way he made a fool out of me, I bet he does.' I sigh. 'How can someone be so difficult to decipher?' I blow out air, exhausted.

While Hendrix is away for the longest, I struggle to get up and go through the small room. Owing to the boyish decor, I'm guessing he sleeps alone. At the far end is the bathroom.

I go to his wardrobe and run my hands through his clothes, scouting for the perfect attire. He's clearly not one to brag about fashion. In here is nothing more than fifteen pieces of clothes, five pants of various stripes, fabrics, and sizes, and about ten shirts.

Settling for a big shirt with a round neck, I bring it closer to my nose and sniff his delicious scent of lavender and herbs. Damn, I feel moist fluid slip in between my thighs

He's surely the bane of my existence.

Not wasting more time, I let the wrapper drop and I get comfortable in the shirt. The fabric is not quite light and it's also sleeveless. He must love giving off muscles.

Because of his tall frame, his shirt crosses my hips and about half the length of my thighs. I close the door and look at the mirror, admiring myself in his dress...fancying doing the same in his arms.

Not being bound by girdles or corsets or whatever bondage in the form of underwear, my big racks dangle joyously underneath the dress. It doesn't take too much staring to know I'm bare.

"What are you doing?"

I jolt and turn towards the direction of the voice to see Hendrix. He is approaching me, with a cup of whatever in his hand.

"It's common sense to knock. So much for being ethical."

"Well, I guess I don't need that around here, it's my room for a reason." He shrugs.

He's right, sadly. "I needed to get comfortable. You don't expect me to walk around naked..."

"What is wrong with that?" He interrupts me.

He's messing with my mind and I feel like screaming.

"You should let me finish, I was..."

"Lady Natalie, nudity is just another attire, you should wear it with pride." He chips in.

Again, he crumbles my ego. I swallow hard, the thought of me walking stalk naked with his eyes trailing me makes my knee quiver.

I ignore him, like he didn't just speak about my body.

"This dress would do, for now." I say with so much authority.

"You should've asked for my permission before..."

"Clearly, I don't need it." I return his favor.

"This isn't your territory." His voice is strained.

"Well, I don't have boundaries." I bluff.

"How about I set one for you?"

"I will watch you try." I dare.

I swallow hard knot as he walks towards me with gentle strides. I take a step backward and then two, and three. With each step he takes forward, I retreat with the same vigor.

When my back kisses the cold wall, it dawns that there's no escape route. My breath is labored as I watch him close the distance.

He presses his firm mass against my fragile one, keeping me trapped to the wall. He cups my chin, daring me to flinch and the other still holds dearly onto the cup.

He leans downward, our faces only separated by an inch. When he opens his mouth, yet again, I get intoxicated by the fresh scent of peppermint and spice... hot spice.

"Hendrix... I need my space." I battle with each word.

He laughs mockingly while ripping me apart with his eyes. "Or your sanity?"

"Get away, don't make me apply force." My shaky voice gives me out on a platter.

Rather, he presses on further, rendering me hopeless and helpless.

I gasp shamelessly.

"Hen...dri..."

"I will watch you resist." He sneers.

QUICK ONE PEEPS: Who's your favorite character? Do you like Natalie's dominance and defensive traits? Do you think Hendrix can contain her? Let me hear your thoughts ☕