Chapter 15 : The Realization LIRA +15 Bonus I was falling for him .
I didnt want to be .
I had fought it for weeks , clinging desperately to my hatred , my fear , my resistance .
Every time I reminded myself of what he had done kidnapping me , forcing me into his territory , taking me away from everything I had known it was easier to stay angry .
It was easier to keep my distance , to stay wrapped in my self imposed hatred .
But it was getting harder .
Because every day , I saw him .
Not just as Caius Vexmoor , the enemy Alpha the ruthless leader who controlled a brutal pack .
But as Caius , the man .
The one who didnt treat his people like tools to be used .
The one who laughed with his warriors , shared meals with them , and made sure that even the youngest members of his pack felt like they belonged .
The one who didnt just take care of his pack he loved them .
He wasnt the monster I had thought he was .

He was … something else .
And he was showing me , slowly but surely , that he wasnt the villain I had imagined .
It terrified me because it meant my hate was slipping , and something else was starting to take its place something much more dangerous .
The realization made my stomach twist uncomfortably .
Every day , it felt like my walls were crumbling , brick by brick .
The barrier I had built to protect myself from him an invisible fortress forged from anger , pain , and fear was weakening .
And I didnt know what to do about it .
Lira ? The sound of my name pulled me out of my spiraling thoughts , and I turned too sharply , finding Elias standing in the doorway with an irritatingly knowing smirk plastered on his face .
What ? I snapped , a little too defensive , but I couldnt help it .
My pulse was racing , and I felt a flush creep across my face that I was certain Elias would notice .
You were staring at Caius again , he said , his voice laced with teasing amusement .
I groaned inwardly .
Shut up , Elias .
He smirked , leaning casually against the doorframe .

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Admit it .
You like watching him .
I folded my arms tightly across my chest , fighting the rising heat in my face .
Its called observation , Beta .
Not admiration .
Elias snorted , clearly unconvinced by my defense .
Sure .
And I suppose when you smile at his stupid jokes , thats just politeness ? 1/2 Chapter 15 : The Realization I stiffened .
I do not smile at his jokes .
Uh huh .
Keep telling yourself that , he replied with a raised eyebrow , clearly enjoying my discomfort .
+15 Bonus I turned sharply on my heel , determined to escape this humiliating conversation .
But as I walked away , I couldnt shake the feeling that Elias was right .

Because I had been watching him .
The way he moved with that quiet authority , the way his eyes seemed to see right through me whenever I caught his gaze .
The way he took care of his pack no , his family with a dedication I didnt understand but couldnt help but notice .
The way he was always present , always just … there .
I hated that I was starting to notice the way he smiled when I caught him looking at me .
The way my heart would beat just a little faster when he entered the room , or when he spoke to me in that calm , deep voice of his that made everything else fade into the background .
I hated how my mind had begun to search for him when he wasnt around .
I hated how much I wanted to deny it , how much I wanted to fight the growing feelings that were stirring inside of me .
Because I knew , deep down , that these feelings werent just about gratitude or respect .
They were something else .
Something deeper .
Something more dangerous .
And I hated that I couldnt stop them from blooming .