Chapter 229: Forbidden Currents
Evaline:
I hadn’t expected Kieran to ask me to dance. But when he extended his hand with a small, sincere smile, I found myself accepting.
Stepping forward with him felt both safe and dangerously illicit. My thoughts were throbbing with confusion. Oscar, Draven... they were my anchors, my mates - but with Kieran, there was an undeniable pull that always left me feeling confused, guilty, and needy.
As soon as the music changed, he drew me into a soft waltz. He held me carefully yet possessively, guiding me into the rhythm. I felt the crowd’s eyes on us as we moved, but I only noticed his firm, warm grip on my waist and his careful hand atop mine.
He twirled me elegantly, careful not to let slip the storm of intensity his gaze held - those deep emerald orbs never left my face. He brought me back into his arms, my back pressed nearly against his chest. His breath brushed my temple in subtle warmth. His hand moved along my spine with confident ease, and I suddenly realized he wanted me to dance with him tonight. He wanted this closeness, and I... I wanted it too.
A tidal wave of emotion crashed through me. I had mates. And still... I was feeling this forbidden pull toward their elder brothers. I felt torn, confused in a way I had never before. My pulse thudded not just in my ears but through every nerve ending.
This wasn’t physical attraction alone. This was adoration and longing wrapped in graceful movement. And I was drowning... while knowing that I shouldn’t.
Thankfully, the song ended. I pulled away softly, but immediately, desperate for some distance, and he bowed politely, disappearing into the crowd with a courteous nod. I exhaled shakily.
Looking for refuge, I wandered through the edge of the ballroom. There, standing like a silent thundercloud guarding his corner, was Draven. He wasn’t locked in conversation, he was motionless except for the occasional lift of his hand as he greeted his friends - ones I had seen him with back at the Academy.
Just as I was about to look away, he lifted his head and our eyes locked.