Chapter 9 - A Beast's Trust
|
The enclosure was massive, built with reinforced steel fencing and shaded by ancient oak trees.
Hannah stepped inside, signaling for Lorenzo to stay by the gate. The air was thick with the scent of pine and nervous animal.
Nero was huddled in the far corner, pacing aggressively. When he saw Hannah, he stopped, letting out a low, warning growl.
Hannah didn't flinch. She sat cross-legged on the grass, right in the center of the enclosure. She didn't look directly at him. She pulled a small bag of high-value treats from her pocket and tossed one gently into the grass halfway between them.
Then, she waited.
Lorenzo watched from the other side of the fence, completely captivated. He watched the way the sunlight caught the rich dark waves of her hair. He watched the soft, full curve of her thighs pressed against the grass. He had spent his life surrounded by women who starved themselves to fit an impossible mold, women who were sharp edges and hollow eyes.
Hannah was soft, warm, and real. She was an absolute goddess, and Lorenzo was entirely obsessed.
Ten minutes passed. Nero finally took a cautious step forward. He sniffed the treat, ate it quickly, and looked at Hannah.
She tossed another one, slightly closer.
"You're a brave boy," Hannah murmured, her voice a soothing, melodic hum. "I know it hurts right now. But you're safe."
It took thirty minutes, but Nero finally crossed the remaining distance. He didn't just take the treat from her hand; he collapsed with a heavy sigh, laying his massive head squarely in her lap.
Hannah smiled, gently stroking his ears, feeling the tension slowly leave the wolfdog's body.
"He's beautiful," Hannah whispered.
"Yes," Lorenzo said softly, watching her. "She is."
Hannah looked up, catching the double meaning in his tone. Her breath hitched. The intensity in his dark eyes was paralyzing.
"Lorenzo," she started, her voice trembling slightly. "You shouldn't look at me like that."
"Like what?" he asked, walking slowly into the enclosure, closing the gate behind him.
"Like... like you want something you can't have."
Lorenzo stopped a few feet away, looking down at her and the sleeping beast in her lap.
"I am a dangerous man, Hannah," Lorenzo murmured, crouching down so they were eye level. "But I have never been a liar. And I want you. More than I have wanted anything in a very long time."
May you like
Hannah’s heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it. "I don't belong in your world."
"Then I will build a new one," Lorenzo promised, his voice a dark, velvet vow. "Just for you."
