Chapter 148: Time Stands Still
Aurora’s POV
He gently took my hand in his, and led me out of my room. We got to the door, and I grabbed my coat, ready to leave Annie’s place to spend some time alone with Alessandro.
Just as I was slipping it on, Annie’s voice cut through the hallway.
“Hmmm… Where are you guys going?”
I turned to see her standing at the end of the hallway, arms crossed and one eyebrow raised.
I let out a soft laugh, caught in the act.
“Just… out. For a little while.”
She tilted her head, clearly amused.
“Out, huh? That’s vague.”
Alessandro cleared his throat awkwardly.
“We just need some time. Alone.”
Annie smirked.
“Say no more.” Then she pointed a finger at Alessandro.
“Just make sure she comes back in one piece, Alpha.”
He gave a small bow, playing along.
“You have my word.”
As we stepped out into the night, I smiled to myself. It felt good
Light, even with him beside me.
We got outside, and the cool night air brushed gently against my skin.
Alessandro walked me to the car, his hand never leaving mine.
He opened the door for me, ever the gentleman.
“Your chariot, my lady,” he said with a soft smile.
I chuckled, slipping inside. “Thank you, kind sir.”
He closed the door gently, walked around to the driver’s side, and got in.
As the engine hummed to life, I glanced at him his jaw set, eyes forward, but there was a calmness in his features that made my heart feel safe.
“Anywhere in mind?” he asked, casting me a quick glance.
I smiled.
“Anywhere but here.”
He nodded, reached over, and gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
“Then let’s disappear for a while.”
We drove quietly for a while, listening to the sound of the engine and the tires on the road.
The night was peaceful and calm, which was a big change from the stress and worry back at the pack.
Alessandro turned on the radio, and a slow, relaxing song played. He looked at me and smiled a little.
"I know a place," he said.
I looked at him curiously.
"Where?"
"It's not far," he said.
"It's just a place I go when I need some peace. When everything gets too much."
I nodded, and we didn't say anything else.
About 10 minutes later, he turned off the main road and drove down a small path that led to a quiet clearing.
The moon shone down on the grass, and there was a small lake in the middle that looked like glass.
He parked the car and said, "Come on."
We got out, and I wrapped my coat around me because it was chilly. Alessandro took my hand, and we walked to the lake.
"It's beautiful," I whispered.
"Yeah," he said, looking at me instead of the lake.
"It is.” he said, his hand still on mine.
“Aurora?”
I turned my gaze to him.
“Yeah?”
He looked deeply into my eyes. “I want you to know something.”
“What?” I asked, my voice barely a breath.
“You’re my peace, Aurora. My anchor. I don’t care about titles or crowns if I lose you in the process.”
Tears welled in my eyes, and I squeezed his hand softly.
“You’re not going to lose me.”
And with that, he kissed me. Soft at first like he was afraid I might vanish if he moved too quickly.
But the moment our lips touched, the longing and pain we had bottled up for so long came pouring out.
His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer as if afraid I’d disappear. My fingers tangled in his hair, and I kissed him like I needed him to breathe.
And then—
The sky opened up.
A soft drizzle at first… then a steady, heavy rain.
We broke the kiss, breathless, eyes wide with surprise as the rain soaked into our clothes and hair.
But neither of us moved.
Alessandro looked at me, water streaming down his face, and then he laughed—low and genuine.
"Guess the universe wanted to make this moment unforgettable," he said, brushing wet strands of hair away from my cheek.
I laughed too, my heart lighter than it had been in days.
"It's working," he said, taking my hand again and spinning me around by the lake in the rain.
I laughed, and the sound mixed with the raindrops. Then he leaned in close to my ear.
"There's a small house near the lake. We can go there until the rain stops."
I looked up at him, raindrops on his eyelashes, his smile warm and friendly.
"Let's go," I said softly.
He held my hand as we ran through the rain, our shoes splashing in puddles, laughing between breaths.
Despite the storm, I felt safe and seen. Soon, we saw a small cabin with a porch light that seemed to be waiting for us.
When we got to the cabin, we stepped into the cabin, water dripping from Alessandro’s hair and down his nose, ran down his chin and dripped onto his chest.
Alessandro sighed and shook his head.
“Look at us.” he laughed, holding his arms out from his body.
Water dripped off of him in constant little plops, soaking the wooden floor beneath him.
“At least we’re dry in here,” I said, brushing my damp hair off my face.
Alessandro walked into the small bathroom, rummaged around, and came back with two fluffy towels.
He handed one to me with a soft smile.
“Here.”
“Thank you.” I took it, our fingers brushing briefly.
We stood in silence, the only sounds were the faint tapping of rain on the roof and the soft rustling of fabric as we dried ourselves.
The quiet between us wasn’t awkward it was peaceful. Like the world outside had paused just to give us this moment.
I glanced up at him as he ran the towel through his hair, his jawline sharp and eyes glowing softly in the warm light.
“You know,” I said, my voice gentle, “you didn’t have to come all this way tonight.”
He looked at me, towel still in hand.
“Yes, I did.”
His tone was steady, filled with truth.
“I needed to see you. With everything going on… I needed this. I needed you.”
My heart tightened in my chest.
I stepped closer.
“Then let’s just forget everything else tonight.”
He nodded slowly.
“Tonight, it’s just us.”
I smiled as I looked into his eyes.
“I want you to make love to me in this cabin tonight, Alessandro.”
He didn’t respond with words, but the way his chest rose and fell his breath deep and unsteady told me everything.
His eyes burned into mine, full of longing, need, and something deeper… love.
Slowly, he reached out and cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing against my damp skin.
“Are you sure?” he asked softly, voice husky.
I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper.
“I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
He leaned in, pressing his forehead to mine, his hand slipping around my waist to pull me closer.
“Then tonight… you’re mine,” he whispered.
Our lips met again, slower this time intimate, intentional. Fingers tangled in hair, hearts racing.
The storm outside raged on, but in that little lake house, time stood still.