Karn made sure the man and his minions were securely in police custody before driving Aisha to her apartnt. The silence in the car was heavy, broken only by the swish of the windshield wipers against the snow. He walked her all the way to her door, and when she whispered, "Co in," he found himself unable to leave her in that state.
He stepped inside, removing his shoes and sliding his feet into the guest slippers. Aisha headed straight for the kitchen, her hands trembling so violently that the glass rattled against the water jar.
Karn was there in a second, his steady hand covering hers as he took the jar and poured the water for her. She offered a small, breathless thank you and sipped the water slowly, her entire fra still vibrating with the aftershocks of the encounter. When she finally lowered the glass, Karn gently took it from her and set it aside.
"Thank you for helping ," Aisha whispered, finally looking up at him. Her eyes were still wide with lingering shock. "But how did you even arrive there? It’s so far from the palace."
"Coincidentally, I was driving to my ho when I saw you, just monts before I heard your scream," Karn replied. He sat on the edge of the coffee table, putting himself at eye level with her. "Who was that man, Aisha?"
Aisha looked away, her fingers twisting together. "He’s the son of a high-ranking council mber. He thinks his status gives him the right to follow because I refused his advances."
"Whose son? Na," Karn demanded.
"You don’t need to trouble yourself," Aisha insisted, her voice small as she tried to pull her woolen cardigan tighter around her shivering fra.
"Just tell the na," Karn said, his voice rising, snapping his usual restraint.
"Lazarus Vayne is the high-ranking council mber," Aisha finally answered, her voice trembling. "His son’s na is Eryx Vayne."
"How long has he been doing this to you? Did he ever hurt you or—"
"No," Aisha cut him off imdiately, her eyes searching his. "It was the first ti he pulled such a stunt. I don’t think he will ever do it again. So, you don’t have to worry yourself with this."
"Aisha, just stay quiet," Karn said sternly, his gaze hardening. "You promised that you would take care of yourself. You wanted independence, and I was happy to help you find that. Have you forgotten what kind of predatory gaze n like that hold? If he was troubling you, you should have inford your parents or the police. And if not them, you should have told ."
Aisha looked directly into his eyes, a flash of painful honesty crossing her face. "You know my parents, Karn. They would have found a way to bla for rebelling against them. And the police would not have done anything against the son of such a high-ranking alpha. And as for you... I’ve barely heard from you. You ignore even when we cross paths. How could I ask for your help knowing I’d only be bringing you trouble?"
Karn felt a sharp sting of guilt at her words. He had been so focused on maintaining his distance to protect his own heart that he had left her vulnerable in the process.
"I will make sure he is punished properly," Karn said, his resolve hardening.
"Don’t drag yourself into my ss," Aisha pleaded, her eyes shimring with tears. "I have taken advantage of your kindness so many tis. If I let you do this, I’ll be doing it again, and it will eat alive inside because I am unable to do anything for you in return."
"Then, do it," Karn said, taking a step closer to her.
"Huh?"
"You refused to give yourself a chance because you love your late mate. I know you still do," Karn began, taking a step closer until he was standing directly over her. He had always been a coward when it ca to his feelings for her, hiding behind duty and distance, but the sight of her in danger had shattered his restraint. "However, let pursue you. Don’t worry about what you can give back. Just... Let try once. Can you allow that?"
Aisha’s breath hitched. She looked up at him, seeing not the stoic beta, but a man who was finally laying his heart bare.
"Karn, you deserve soone who isn’t broken," she whispered.
"I want the woman standing in front of ," he countered. "I am not asking you to open your heart for right away," Karn said. "However, let do things for you. Let protect you, Aisha. What if I hadn’t been there? What if I found out about it when it was already too late? I would never have been able to forgive myself. I would have lived the rest of my life in regret."
Aisha looked down at her hands, her voice trembling as she spoke of the fear that had kept her away from him. "And even when I won’t be able to reciprocate... What will you do then? I may snatch away your precious ti, Karn. Do you truly think I can move on from the past to be with you? You’re the one person I only want to see shine, and I’m afraid I’ll only cast a shadow over you."
Karn reached out, his fingers brushing against her chin to lift her gaze to his. "If you think you are a shadow, then let be the light that stays with you. My ti isn’t ’snatched’ if it’s spent on you. Whether you can move on today, tomorrow, or years from now, that doesn’t change how I feel. I’m not asking for a promise of love. I’m asking for the permission to be the one you turn to."
Aisha searched his eyes, but this ti, it was entirely for her.
"I believe love can sway hearts. That is what I have seen around . And I truly want to be your man, Aisha. I-I also think if your mate will be seeing you from heaven, he will want the sa for you. So, please give us a chance."
Aisha’s fingers curled up. "Fine. Just for a month. Not more than that, Karn."
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