Adrian returned home with his body tense and restless. There was no peace in him; every step he took after bringing Celine home, every memory of what had just happened, filled him with guilt and anger.
He pressed a hand to his face, trying to calm the storm inside him. "Why couldn't I control myself?" he whispered in his mind, blaming himself for what had occurred. Every glimpse of fear in Celine's eyes, every flinch he had seen, made him feel small and helpless, haunted by the danger he had brought.
He walked slowly to the window, gazing out at the moonlight washing the streets. Everything reminded him of the wolf within him that he couldn't control at that moment, and the fear that Celine might have been hurt—or could be hurt—again.
His steps were measured, deliberate, as he tried to calm himself, yet his mind kept replaying the incident over and over. He fought to breathe, to remain in control, knowing that he wasn't yet ready to fully embrace his powers without Celine by his side.
When Celine returned home, she couldn't sleep. She kept crying, her mind replaying the terrifying sight she had witnessed. She whispered to herself, refusing to believe it had really happened. "It has to be a dream… it has to be," she muttered, hugging herself tightly as tears streamed down her face.
The images of Adrian's transformation kept flashing in her mind, making her shiver. Her heart raced, and a knot of fear and confusion settled deep in her chest. No matter how much she tried to calm herself, the memory refused to fade, leaving her restless and anxious well into the night.
Early in the morning, Adrian sent Celine a message.
"Good morning, Celine. I hope you managed to get a little rest. Are you up?"
Celine's phone buzzed on her nightstand, and she hesitated for a moment before reading it. Her fingers trembled slightly as she typed back, still shaken from the previous night.
"Morning… I'm awake. Just… trying to calm down," she replied, her words carrying the weight of her lingering fear.
Adrian quickly responded:
"I understand. I'll be around if you need me. Take your time, but remember you're not alone."
Even through a few short messages, Celine could feel his concern. It gave her a small sense of comfort, though the memory of what she had seen still haunted her.
Celine saw Adrian's message, but she didn't reply immediately. Her hands shook slightly as she stared at the screen, the memories of last night still vivid in her mind. She wasn't sure if she was ready to respond, or even to face him yet.
Minutes passed, and the morning light crept into her room. Her heart raced, torn between wanting to talk to Adrian and fearing what might come from their conversation. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the weight of the night before made her hesitate.
She finally set the phone down, deciding to gather her thoughts before replying. The silence of the room seemed louder than ever, echoing her confusion and fear.
After a while, Adrian noticed that Celine hadn't replied. His brow furrowed with concern. He typed another message, careful to keep his tone gentle:
"Celine… I haven't heard from you. Are you okay? I don't want to intrude, but I'm worried."
He waited, watching the "seen" notification that never appeared. His heart tightened with unease. Something about the way she had been acting last night told him she was still shaken.
Finally, unable to wait any longer, he decided to go over and check on her. He grabbed his keys and headed out, determined to make sure she was safe—even if it meant facing the lingering tension from last night.
Adrian arrived at Celine's home, the morning sun casting long shadows across the quiet streets. He took a deep breath before knocking on her door, trying to calm the nervous energy building in his chest.
After a few moments, the door opened slightly, and Celine peeked out. Her eyes widened in surprise, mixed with hesitation. She hadn't expected him to come over so soon.
"Good morning," Adrian said softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "I just wanted to make sure you're okay."
Celine swallowed hard, her hands fidgeting at her sides. "I… I'm fine," she murmured, though her tone betrayed the lingering fear from last night.
Adrian gave her a small, reassuring smile. "You don't have to say it if you're not. I just want to be here for you."
Celine stood by the doorway, her arms crossed, trying to steady her voice. "Adrian… it's okay. You don't have to stay. I'm fine. Please, just go back home."
Adrian shook his head, stepping closer, his expression firm but gentle. "No, I'm not leaving. Not after everything that happened. I need to know you're truly okay and safe."
Celine hesitated, a mix of frustration and relief flickering across her face. "Adrian… I appreciate it, I really do, but I can handle this. You don't have to stay."
"I can't just walk away," Adrian insisted, his tone softening. "Not when I know how scared you were last night. I want to be here… even if you think you don't need me."
Celine sighed, conflicted. She wanted to be independent, to face her fears alone—but seeing the concern in Adrian's eyes made her heart soften. For a moment, silence filled the room, broken only by the faint morning light spilling through the windows.
Before Celine could protest further, Adrian gently but firmly guided her inside. His hands held her steady as he led her to a wall across the room. "Celine… stay here for a moment," he said, his voice calm but commanding.
Celine's heart raced. "Adrian… what are you doing?" she whispered, a hint of panic in her tone.
"I just need to make sure you're safe," he replied, his eyes locking onto hers. "I won't let anything happen to you. Trust me."
She hesitated, the tension in her body fighting against his firm grip, but there was no denying the protective strength in his presence. Adrian's hands rested gently on her shoulders, his warmth grounding her as her racing thoughts began to slow.
For a few moments, they stood like that, the world outside fading away, leaving only the quiet intensity between them.
Celine's voice trembled as she pleaded, "Adrian… please… let me go. Don't hold me like this. I just… I need to be alone. Go back home, please."
Adrian's eyes softened, but his grip didn't loosen. Instead, he wrapped his arms firmly around her waist, pulling her slightly closer. "No, Celine. Not this time. I can't just let you be alone when I know how shaken you are. I need to protect you… even if you don't want it."
Celine struggled for a moment, torn between wanting her space and the undeniable comfort in his presence. Her heartbeat quickened, a mix of fear and the warmth of being held safely.
"You don't have to fight me," Adrian whispered, his voice low and steady. "I'm not going anywhere. Just let me be here with you."
Celine's hands trembled at his sides, unsure whether to push him away or melt into his embrace. The room felt smaller somehow, filled with the tension of unspoken feelings and the quiet intensity of Adrian's determination.
As Celine struggled, her hands flailing slightly, Adrian's hold tightened just enough to steady her without causing discomfort. His deep eyes met hers, intense and unwavering.
"Celine… look at me," he said firmly, but softly, his voice carrying both authority and care. "I need you to see me, to understand… I'm not going anywhere. Not now, not ever."
Celine froze, her breath hitching as her gaze met his. The room seemed to shrink around them, and for a moment, everything else faded—the fear, the tension, the uncertainties. It was just the two of them, bound by something unspoken yet powerful.
Adrian's hands stayed firm on her waist, grounding her, and the warmth of his presence slowly began to calm her racing thoughts.
Celine's composure finally broke. Tears streamed down her face as she whimpered, "I… I can't… I can't believe what I saw… it's too much…" Her body shook with a mixture of fear and disbelief.
Adrian's hands remained steady on her waist, holding her gently yet firmly. "Shh… it's okay, Celine," he murmured, his voice soothing. "I know it's overwhelming… but you're safe now. You're with me."
She buried her face against his chest, unable to stop the sobs. Every tear seemed to carry the shock and confusion of the night, the memory of what she had witnessed pressing heavily on her heart.
"I… I don't understand… none of this makes sense!" she cried, her voice trembling.
Adrian stroked her hair softly, whispering, "I know… I know it's a lot. But you don't have to face it alone. I'm right here, Celine… always."
Slowly, her cries softened, though the lingering fear in her eyes remained. The reality of what she had seen was still too raw, but Adrian's presence was a small anchor amidst the storm inside her.
Adrian tightened his hold slightly, his voice steady and firm. "Celine… I promise you," he said, his eyes locking onto hers, "you will never have to see me like that again. Not in that form, not in those… conditions. I won't let it happen again."
Celine blinked through her tears, her chest heaving as she tried to process his words. "Are… are you sure?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I swear," Adrian replied, his tone unwavering. "I'll make sure of it. Nothing like that will ever happen in front of you again. You don't need to fear me… not in that way."
For a moment, Celine allowed herself to cling to him, her sobs easing slightly as the weight of his promise settled in. Though confusion and fear still lingered, Adrian's reassurance became a fragile thread of comfort, holding her together amidst the chaos of her emotions.
Adrian slowly lowered his head, his gaze never leaving Celine's. The intensity in his eyes softened, replaced with a tenderness she hadn't expected. Then, gently, he pressed his lips to hers.
Celine froze for a moment, the warmth of the kiss washing over her, conflicting with the fear still lingering in her chest. But there was something comforting in it too—a quiet reassurance that, despite everything, she wasn't alone.
Adrian's hands remained firm on her waist, holding her close yet careful, as if shielding her from the world. The kiss was soft but lingering, a silent promise that he would protect her, no matter what.
When he finally pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers, he whispered, "I'm here, Celine… always."
Celine's breath came in shaky bursts, her eyes glistening with tears. Though the fear still lingered, a small spark of trust began to bloom amidst the storm of emotions inside her.
Celine took a shaky breath, still holding onto Adrian, and whispered, "I… I'm scared, Adrian. Everything I saw… it doesn't make sense. I don't know what to feel."
Adrian gently cupped her face, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I know, Celine. I understand… and it's okay to be scared. You don't have to understand everything right now. All I want is for you to feel safe with me."
She nodded slightly, her hands clutching his shirt as if grounding herself. "I just… I don't want to be afraid of you," she admitted, her voice trembling.
Adrian shook his head softly, a reassuring smile forming on his lips. "You have nothing to fear from me. I'll never let anything happen to you. Not ever. I promise."
Slowly, Celine let herself relax against him, feeling the warmth of his presence and the sincerity of his words. For the first time since the terrifying incident, a small measure of calm began to settle in her chest.
Adrian held her close for a moment longer, then spoke softly, "Celine… there are things about me you don't know. Things I haven't told anyone."
Celine lifted her head slightly, her eyes searching his. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice cautious but curious.
"I'm not… like everyone else," Adrian admitted, choosing his words carefully. "There are sides to me that are dangerous, parts of me I have to control. That's why… what you saw… it scared you."
Celine's heart skipped a beat, but she remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
"I can't tell you everything right now," he added, his tone firm but gentle. "It's not safe. But I can tell you this—I would never hurt you. Not in any way. You're the most important thing to me, Celine."
She swallowed hard, the mixture of fear and curiosity battling inside her. "I… I want to believe you," she whispered.
Adrian pressed his forehead against hers again. "Then just trust me. One step at a time. That's all I ask."
Celine nodded slowly, allowing herself to feel the comfort in his presence, even if questions still lingered in her mind.
"I love you, Celine," Adrian said softly, his voice steady yet full of emotion.
Celine froze, her heart pounding in her chest. The words felt like a spark in the darkness, warming her from the inside out. "Y-you… you love me?" she stammered, barely able to believe it.
Adrian nodded, his eyes locking with hers. "Yes. More than I can put into words. I've never felt this way about anyone before. You're everything to me."
Celine's chest tightened with emotion. She wanted to respond, to tell him she felt the same, but the fear and confusion from earlier still lingered. She hesitated, then whispered, "I… I think I love you too."
A small, genuine smile spread across Adrian's face, and he gently brushed his lips against hers again. "Then let's face everything together, Celine. No matter what comes, I'll be by your side."
Celine closed her eyes, leaning into him, feeling the strength in his arms and the sincerity in his words. For the first time since that terrifying night, she felt a fragile sense of peace.
Adrian pulled back slightly, his gaze softening as he asked, "Have you eaten, Celine?"
Celine shook her head, her lips trembling slightly. "No… I didn't have time," she admitted.
Celine hesitated for a moment, still overwhelmed by everything, but the warmth in Adrian's eyes and the sincerity in his tone made her nod. "Okay," she whispered.
Adrian took a step closer, his tone gentle but insistent. "Let's go to a restaurant. You need to eat properly."
Celine shook her head, anxiety clear in her eyes. "I… I can't go out, Adrian. What if those people come again? What if you change… again?"
Adrian reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Nothing like that will happen. I'll stay in control. I just want you to eat. Please, for me… for yourself."
Celine hesitated, torn between her fear and trust in him. Finally, she nodded reluctantly. "Okay… but we'll be careful, alright?"
Adrian smiled softly, squeezing her hand. "Always. We'll be careful together."
Adrian and Celine arrived at the restaurant, the warm lights and soft music providing a momentary sense of normalcy. They sat by a quiet corner table, away from most of the crowd.
"I'll order something light," Celine murmured, still uneasy from the previous night's events.
Adrian nodded and flagged down the waiter. Soon, their food arrived, steaming and aromatic, and for a few minutes, it felt like everything could be normal.
But then, out of the corner of their eyes, Adrian noticed them. The five men. The same ones from before. They were inside the restaurant, scanning the tables. Their eyes locked onto Adrian and Celine.
Celine stiffened, clutching her napkin. "Adrian… they're here," she whispered, panic rising in her voice.
Adrian's jaw tightened. "Stay calm. Don't make any sudden moves," he hissed, his hand brushing hers under the table in reassurance.
The men stepped a few tables away and began walking slowly toward them, speaking under their breath. Their words were sharp, taunting, aimed directly at Adrian.
"You think you can hide, wolf?" one of them sneered. "She belongs to us."
Adrian's eyes darkened, a storm brewing behind them. He stood, pulling Celine slightly closer to him, his voice low but deadly. "Not tonight. Not ever."
The tension crackled through the air, drawing the attention of a few nearby diners. Celine's heart raced as she realized how close danger was, and how little time they had to react.
Adrian's fists tightened at his sides, his jaw set, eyes burning with restrained anger. The five men sneered, leaning closer. "Show us who you really are!" one shouted. "Show everyone! Let us see you're not human!"
Celine's heart raced. She gripped Adrian's arm, her fingers digging into his skin. "Adrian… please don't," she whispered urgently, her voice trembling. "You promised me… you wouldn't show me that… that form again."
Adrian's hands shook, his breathing rapid. His gaze softened briefly as he looked at Celine, the reminder of his promise grounding him. The anger still roared inside him, but he forced it down, keeping himself human, his fists unclenching slowly.
The five men laughed mockingly, clearly sensing the tension, but Adrian remained composed—his fury sharp in his eyes but controlled, directed at them, not at Celine.
Celine's grip tightened as she watched him, torn between awe and fear. "I can't… I can't lose you," she whispered.
Adrian gave her a small, reassuring nod, still tense, still simmering with rage, but human. "I won't… I promise," he muttered, keeping his voice calm but low, carrying the weight of his anger for the intruders without breaking his vow to her.
The five men paused, exchanging glances. They had expected Adrian to give in to his instincts, to transform before their eyes—but he didn't. His restraint only seemed to fuel their frustration.
"Coward!" one spat. "You're all talk, wolf!"
Adrian's eyes narrowed, a cold fire burning behind them. He tightened his grip on Celine's hand, guiding her slightly behind him. "I am not a coward. And I will not endanger her," he said, his voice steady but low, carrying a warning.
The men laughed nervously, sensing the danger in his controlled fury. They didn't understand the kind of power he was capable of—but they could feel it radiating from him. Each measured breath, each tense movement, screamed of a force they were foolish to provoke.
Celine stayed close, her heart racing. "Please… let's just go," she whispered, her voice trembling. Adrian's hand covered hers in a reassuring squeeze.
"Not until they leave," he replied, his gaze locked on the group. Then, slowly and deliberately, Adrian took a step forward. "You don't belong here. Leave, now."
The five men hesitated, unnerved by the confidence in his tone, the barely contained strength in his posture. Slowly, cautiously, they backed away, muttering threats they clearly didn't dare follow through on.
Once they were gone, Adrian exhaled, finally letting his tension ease. He turned to Celine, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "See? I kept my promise. No… surprises," he said softly, a small, wry smile forming despite the adrenaline.
Celine's eyes shimmered with relief. "You… you were incredible," she whispered, hugging him tightly. "I don't know how you did it."
Adrian's arms wrapped around her protectively. "I did it for you. Always for you," he murmured, pressing his forehead against hers.
Celine clutched Adrian's hand, her voice trembling. "Adrian… please, I can't… I don't want to stay here. I want to go home."
Adrian looked into her eyes, reading the exhaustion and fear in them. He nodded slowly, understanding her completely. "Alright," he said quietly, releasing his grip on her hand for a moment to help her stand. "Let's go."
They moved quickly through the restaurant, keeping close to each other. People watched them leave, murmuring softly, sensing the tension between them. Once outside, the cool morning air hit them, and Celine let out a relieved breath.
Adrian kept his gaze forward, alert, but allowed himself a small smile. "Home, then," he said, guiding her toward the car.
Celine leaned slightly on him as they walked, the sunlight reflecting in her eyes. She didn't speak—she didn't need to. Adrian understood.
The car ride was quiet, except for the soft hum of the engine and the occasional turn of a passing wheel. Celine stared out the window, her mind racing with the images from the restaurant, the tension, and Adrian's restraint.
Adrian kept his hands steady on the wheel, glancing at her every now and then. "You okay back there?" he asked, his voice low but steady.
Celine shook her head slightly. "I… I don't know. My heart is still racing. I keep thinking… what if next time you can't hold back?"
Adrian's jaw tightened. "I promised you. I won't. I'll always control it. You're safe with me, Celine. Always."
She swallowed hard, leaning back in her seat. "I believe you," she whispered, though the doubt in her voice lingered.
The city was cool as they drove, and for a moment, silence settled between them—not the tense silence from earlier, but a fragile, tentative one that carried both relief and lingering fear. Adrian reached over, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Almost home," he said softly.
Celine let out a shaky breath, trying to calm the storm inside her. "I just… I just want to be safe. With you," she admitted.
Adrian's hand found hers on the seat. "And you will be," he said firmly. "No one is going to hurt you, Celine. Not while I'm here."
As the familiar streets of her neighborhood came into view, Celine felt a flicker of comfort. The danger hadn't disappeared, but with Adrian beside her, she felt—just a little—like maybe she could breathe again.
As soon as the car pulled into Adrian's driveway, he didn't wait for her to step out. He opened the door and gently but firmly pulled Celine into his arms. She stumbled slightly, exhausted and tense, but the warmth and strength in his embrace steadied her.
"I can't leave you here, Celine," Adrian whispered urgently, his breath brushing against her ear. "It's not safe. Those people… they'll follow you, and they'll hurt you. Come with me now—bring your things. Let's go to my place, immediately."
Celine's heart pounded, a mix of fear and relief. She had wanted to go home, to rest in her own space, but the fear in Adrian's eyes made her hesitate. "But… my home…" she murmured.
"Not today," Adrian interrupted softly but firmly. "Right now, you need to be somewhere safe. Trust me." He brushed a strand of hair from her face and looked deep into her eyes. "We'll sort everything out later. For now, just come with me."
Celine nodded slowly, feeling the tension in her body start to ease slightly. She grabbed her bag, and Adrian held her hand as they walked toward his car. Every step was careful, alert—both of them aware that danger could be lurking even in the shadows.
Once inside the car, Adrian kept a protective hand on her knee, eyes scanning the streets before they drove off. "We're going to be safe now," he murmured, more to himself than to her, but Celine took comfort in the reassurance, feeling the weight of fear lift, at least a little.
Once they had settled inside the car, Celine took a deep breath, while Adrian continued holding her hand gently. Few words were spoken; both were lost in their own fears, yet his presence gave Celine a small sense of strength to keep going.
"Ready?" Adrian asked in a low voice, looking at her carefully.
Celine nodded with a small smile, though it wasn't a real sense of joy. She knew they were running from danger, but being with Adrian made her feel safer.
They started driving, keeping their eyes on every turn, certain that the men who had been watching them at the restaurant weren't far behind. The way to Adrian's home wasn't long, but at every corner they passed, Celine felt a shadow of anxiety wrapping around her.
"The time to feel safe is near, just a little more," Adrian said, gently squeezing her hand to calm her.
After a few minutes, they arrived at Adrian's home. The house was modern, large, and looked heavily secured. Adrian carefully parked the car in the driveway, slowing down gradually before fully stopping.
Celine stepped out of the car, taking a long breath of fresh air as she looked up at the massive house. Adrian held her hand and helped her up the last step to the door.
"You're safe now," Adrian said, his eyes fixed on her. "No one is here, no one is looking for you. For now, you can rest peacefully."
Celine nodded silently, but her heart was still racing. She knew it was Adrian's presence and protection that had allowed her to escape the danger that had been so close.