His words sank into my skin as the realization hit me.
It was true. Jack was expecting me specifically, and I never showed. Instead of following what my parents and alpha expected of me, I ran. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what might happen if I returned and faced them again.
I knew what Jack’s disappointment looked like, and I didn’t want to be on the receiving end of it. I had seen enough young girls hurt by him when they disappointed him.
But my hesitancy and fear of Sebastian’s presence urged me to get out—to free myself and make my own decision.
Even if I knew he was completely right.
Chapter 6 - Sebastian
Lydia had me at a crossroads—a deep conflict I didn’t want to endure, yet I had to due to her situation.
I didn’t want to block her in and take away her ability to choose, but I also couldn’t stand the thought of anyone taking advantage of her, whether it was her alpha or some shifters she didn’t know.
It felt like I was working against my usual morals, but I knew it was necessary for her sake. If I let her go and something happened to her, I’d never be able to forgive myself.
I didn’t want Lydia to think I was domineering or trying to control her, but I didn't see how to let her go.
Meeting her gaze as irritation filled her eyes, I let go of a breath and tried to keep my tone gentle yet assertive enough to get my point across, all while keeping our past in mind.
We were familiar with each other at one point, and that had to count for something.
"I'm worried about you," I admitted, refusing to let her through. "Be mad at me all you want, but you can't leave yet."
A brief flicker of surprise in response to my stubbornness flashed in her eyes before she narrowed them again, sparking more of her anger as she put her hands against my chest and tried to push me out of the way.
"Damn it, Sebastian, let me go!" She said with a growl, using all her strength to try and move me.
But it was no use. I didn't move an inch as I planted myself there with my hands against the threshold.
"I can't."
There was no mistaking how her anger began changing into frustration as she tried to fight against me, hitting her fists against my chest to no avail. "Just move!"
"No," I uttered, taking every one of her hits as my brows furrowed before I had enough.
Swiftly, I grabbed both of her wrists to stop her, firm but gentle enough not to hurt her in return. Looking down at her, I knew I couldn't give up, even if she were being insistent.
Lydia froze at the realization, her eyes meeting mine and allowing me to watch as those confused emotions passed through them at once. She swallowed hard, tears brimming her eyes out of flustered annoyance. At least she stopped fighting me.
Looking down at her, I was at a complete loss for how we got there. For what was causing her to react in that way. My eyes softened slightly as I sighed and released her wrists once she seemed startled enough not to bolt.
"Where is all of this coming from?" I questioned, still looming over her in the doorway. "Why are you afraid of me? You know me, Lydia."
This silenced her momentarily as she held her wrists, more so out of comfort as she averted her gaze. Her voice was small and riddled with doubt. "Do I?"
"As well as you could, given the circumstances," I mumbled, somewhat confused by her response. She used to spend as much time at our house with Zoe as possible, which meant we couldn't help but run into each other from time to time.
As far as I knew, I didn't do anything to hurt her before. I'd be ashamed of myself if I had.
"Time changes people," she murmured, crossing her arms over her chest with a look of discomfort on her face.
"I can't argue that, but I can assure you, you're a hell of a lot safer here with me than out there right now."
Wearing her refusal well, she still didn't look at me. "But I don't know that for sure."
Realizing I had to make a decision and needed her trust before we could reach any kind of agreement or understanding, I glanced at the door behind me before looking back at her.