~ Amaris Laurier Pov ~
"Then what should I do? Should I beg that fucker?" Samuel growled angrily as he spoke with Spade over the phone. The tension was palpable in the car as Samuel's emotions ran high. I sat in the passenger seat, nervously fidgeting with the straps of my seat belt. Xavier and Amelia were following us in their car, maintaining a safe distance.
"Banish that pack!" Samuel exclaimed with frustration before abruptly ending the call, throwing his phone aimlessly across the car. His actions sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn't help but feel scared of him when he displayed such intense emotions. Gathering my courage, I took deep breaths to steady myself before mustering the strength to address him.
"Samuel?" I called out tentatively, my eyes searching his face for any sign of softening. All I saw was his stoic expression, unaffected by my presence. As the wind whipped through the open windows, I absentmindedly brushed my hair back, feeling it fall back into place.
"Yes?" Samuel responded curtly, his gaze still fixed on the road ahead, refusing to meet my eyes.
"What you saw there wasn't what you're thinking," I spoke softly, my voice barely audible above the rushing wind. I reached out, attempting to hold his hand which was settled on the gear rod, seeking a connection amidst the turmoil.
"How do you know what I'm thinking?" He replied coldly, swiftly removing his hand from the gear rod and placing it firmly on the steering wheel. I sighed, feeling a pang of frustration mixed with my fear.
"I don't know exactly what you're thinking, Samuel," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly as we sped down the road. The tension in the car was palpable, and I knew I had to address it.
"But I know you well enough to recognize that you're angry and hurt right now. And I understand why. But I want you to listen to me, to hear my side of the story." Samuel's grip tightened on the steering wheel, and his jaw clenched. His silence spoke volumes, but I couldn't let it deter me.
"Not now, Amaris!" he said sharply, his tone laced with frustration. Taking a deep breath, I continued, desperation creeping into my voice.
"Samuel, I believe it's better to clarify things sooner rather than later. I don't want you to misunderstand the situation. Please, just hear me out."
He didn't respond, fueling my frustration even more. The pressure was building within me, and without thinking, I unbuckled my seatbelt. In one swift motion, I reached for the emergency brake handle, bringing the car to an abrupt stop. The screeching tires echoed through the air, causing the car behind us, carrying our friends Xavier and Amelia, to honk in confusion.
Ignoring their confusion for the moment, I moved quickly. I positioned myself on the seat, my knees resting on the cushion, before gripping the back of Samuel's seat for support. With a mix of determination and recklessness, I swung my legs over and settled myself on his lap, facing him. His intense gaze followed my every move, yet he remained motionless, offering no assistance as I settled onto his lap.
I firmly grasped his face with my hands, locking eyes with him. "He mentioned something about my past, and honestly, I was lost in my own thoughts when he touched my cheeks. His touch snapped me back to reality, and I was just about to pull away when..."
"Save your explanations," he interrupted, his voice cold, about to turn away. But I tightened my grip, refusing to let him retreat.
"No, Samuel," I retorted with unwavering determination.
"You've been avoiding this conversation for far too long. We need to talk, and I won't allow you to shut me out."
"Shut me out? That's rich coming from you! You've been keeping secrets from me, Amaris. Secrets that others felt compelled to reveal because you wouldn't." Samuel's frustration finally surfaced, revealing the root of his anger.
"I was scared, okay? Terrified to my core. Each moment I spent on this earth felt like walking on a bed of needles. I felt hunted, constantly pursued. What was I supposed to do? I left the pack when they rejected me simply because I didn't possess a wolf within me. And when I arrived here, seeking refuge, I endured abuse. I prayed incessantly to a higher power, begging for the gift of a wolf so that I could be loved once more." Samuel's hands, previously resting on the steering wheel, gently found their place on my hips as I poured out my heart, my voice quivering with emotion.
"But you know what happened? Instead of granting me a wolf, she blessed me with multiple spirits. Ancient spirits. Before I met you, I encountered Angelina, trying to offer her a home. I toiled endlessly, concealing my spirits, you have no idea how difficult it was. The rogues would attack relentlessly without respite." Samuel's hands caressed me gently as I tried to regain control, suppressing the tears threatening to escape my eyes.
"The letters, the blood, the screams, the growls... it all became unbearable. The mere hint of my scent could bring unimaginable consequences, forcing me to witness my loved ones slaughtered before my very eyes. I don't want that for you. I don't want our pack members to suffer because of me. Selfish as it may sound, I don't want you to despise me for being a danger to you and our pack. And most importantly, I don't want you to be harmed," I confessed, my grip on his face loosening as tears streamed down my face. In an attempt to hide my vulnerability, I buried my face in his chest, and he gently rested his hand on my head.
"I'm exhausted, Samuel. Tired of hiding, tired of protecting everyone around me, tired of living in fear," I whispered, feeling the tension radiating through his body.
Samuel's grip on my hips tightened, his touch radiating warmth and comfort. He leaned closer, his voice filled with a mix of concern and determination.
"Amaris, I understand that you've been through hell, and I can't imagine the pain you've endured. But shutting me out won't protect me or our pack. We're a team, remember? We face challenges together." His words were firm yet gentle, his eyes searching mine for a glimmer of understanding. I lifted my head from his chest, my tears staining his shirt, and looked into his eyes.
"Samuel, I want to believe that we can overcome this together, but the risks are real. I don't want to see you hurt because of me. I can't bear to lose you," I admitted, my voice still quivering with emotion. Samuel's hand reached up to gently brush away a stray tear from my cheek, his touch sending shivers down my spine.
"Amaris, my love," he whispered, his voice filled with determination.
"I knew the risks when I fell for you, and I would choose to face any danger with you by my side rather than live without you." Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked into his gaze.
"I love you," I said, my voice filled with longing, before leaning in and planting a tender kiss on his lips.
"I love you too, my love," Samuel murmured, his breath mingling with mine as he pressed his lips against mine in a passionate kiss.
"But promise me something, Amaris," he murmured, his eyes intense and unwavering.
"From now on, no more secrets. You should share everything with me, okay?" I nodded, my heart swelling with love and trust as I pledged my commitment to our future.