Unraveling

The days that followed were a test of Adrian’s patience.

Every moment in the penthouse felt like a silent battle. Elias was everywhere—calm, steady, and unbearably patient. He didn’t push, didn’t demand anything, but his presence was constant.

And Adrian felt it.

It was maddening.

—

On the third morning, Adrian woke up with a throbbing headache.

The restless nights were taking their toll. He had been dreaming—of Elias.

His scent. His touch. The way his deep voice echoed in his mind.

It pissed him off.

Scowling, Adrian dragged himself out of bed and stepped into the kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.

Of course, Elias was already there.

Dressed in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, he leaned against the counter, effortlessly composed. He glanced up as Adrian walked in, his gaze unreadable.

Adrian ignored him and went straight for the coffee.

“You should eat,” Elias said casually, flipping a page of the newspaper he was reading.

Adrian shot him a glare over his mug. “You don’t get to tell me what to do.”

Elias smirked, sipping his coffee. “Just a suggestion.”

Adrian gritted his teeth. “Keep them to yourself.”

Elias hummed but didn’t argue.

The silence stretched between them.

Adrian hated it.

—

Later that day…

Adrian had meetings lined up back to back. Normally, he thrived in this environment—focused, driven, in control.

But today, he was restless.

It wasn’t just the lack of sleep. It was Elias.

Even when he wasn’t around, Adrian could feel him.

Like a constant presence at the back of his mind, pulling at him.

His wolf was agitated, sensing its mate but not having what it wanted.

Adrian clenched his fists beneath the conference table, forcing himself to focus as one of the executives presented financial reports.

But then his phone buzzed.

A message.

Elias: Did you eat?

Adrian inhaled sharply, his jaw tightening.

He stared at the message for a long moment before shoving his phone back into his pocket.

—

By the time Adrian returned to the penthouse, it was past ten.

The lights were dimmed, casting soft shadows over the modern space. He loosened his tie, exhaling heavily.

Elias was sitting on the couch, reading again. He glanced up as Adrian entered.

“You’re late.”

Adrian rolled his eyes. “Not your concern.”

Elias didn’t respond, simply studied him for a moment before setting his book down.

“Come here.”

Adrian narrowed his eyes. “Excuse me?”

Elias gestured to the seat across from him. “Sit.”

Adrian scoffed. “I’m not your pet.”

Elias smirked. “No, but you look exhausted.”

Adrian clenched his jaw, debating whether to argue. But his body was aching, and his headache hadn’t gone away.

Reluctantly, he dropped onto the couch, sinking into the plush cushions.

Elias studied him. “You’re not sleeping well.”

Adrian let out a bitter chuckle. “Noticed that, did you?”

Elias nodded. “It’s the bond.”

Adrian exhaled sharply, looking away. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Elias didn’t push, but he also didn’t look away. “Ignoring it won’t make it go away.”

Adrian glared at him. “You think I don’t know that?”

Elias leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady. “Then why are you fighting it?”

Adrian’s pulse quickened.

Because it scared him.

Because every time he was near Elias, his control slipped a little more.

But he would never admit that.

Instead, he stood abruptly. “I need a shower.”

Elias didn’t stop him. But as Adrian walked away, he could feel those dark eyes following him.

—

Later that night…

The shower didn’t help.

Adrian was still tense, his thoughts a mess.

He threw on a loose t-shirt and sweatpants, running a towel through his damp hair. But just as he stepped out of his room, he stopped.

Elias was standing by the window, staring out at the city lights.

Something about the sight made Adrian hesitate.

For the first time, Elias didn’t look completely composed. His expression was unreadable, his shoulders tense.

Before Adrian could stop himself, he spoke.

“Something on your mind?”

Elias turned, surprised. “You’re talking to me willingly. That’s new.”

Adrian scowled. “Forget it.”

He turned to leave, but Elias’ voice stopped him.

“I was thinking about you.”

Adrian’s breath caught.

Slowly, he turned back. “What?”

Elias held his gaze. “You’re not okay.”

Adrian crossed his arms, scoffing. “I’m fine.”

Elias took a step closer. “Liar.”

Adrian’s heartbeat sped up.

He hated how Elias saw through him so easily.

Elias took another step, closing the distance between them.

“Adrian.”

His voice was softer now, almost gentle.

Adrian swallowed hard, every muscle in his body tensed.

Then Elias reached out—slowly, giving Adrian the chance to pull away.

But he didn’t.

Elias’ fingers brushed against his wrist, warm and steady.

Adrian sucked in a sharp breath.

The bond flared between them, a rush of heat and energy surging through his veins.

His wolf wanted.

Adrian tried to fight it. Tried to pull back.

But Elias didn’t let go.

“I know you’re scared,” Elias murmured.

Adrian’s breath hitched.

He opened his mouth to argue, to deny it—

But then Elias moved closer, his lips just inches away.

Adrian’s heart pounded.

The tension between them was unbearable, the air thick with unspoken need.

For a brief, dangerous moment, Adrian considered closing the distance.

Then reality slammed back into him.

With a sharp inhale, he yanked his wrist free and stepped back. “This doesn’t change anything.”

Elias didn’t chase him.

He simply nodded. “I know.”

Adrian clenched his fists, then turned and walked away.

But the heat of Elias’ touch lingered on his skin.

And no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this battle was already lost.

—

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