Mysterious mate to the lycan prince (Addison and Max) novel Chapter 14

**The Crimson Oath — Bryan Foster**
**Chapter 14**

**Max**

Though Tyler had graciously stepped away to grant me a moment alone with Addison, the atmosphere felt starkly different from our previous encounters. The woods enveloped us in darkness, and with each step, an invisible barrier seemed to stretch between us. This was the only way she would allow me to speak with her, and I felt the weight of that decision heavy on my shoulders.

“I really don’t like this at all,” I confessed, my eyes—now enhanced by my lycan senses—scanning the shadows for any signs of danger as I watched her.

“Me neither,” she replied, a low growl escaping her lips as she glanced back over her shoulder, her wolf-like eyes glimmering in the dim light.

I understood that she could manage the distance we had created, but I could sense the internal battle she was waging against her instincts and the presence of Saga. It was this awareness that prompted me to increase the space between us just a little more.

“Is this better?” I inquired, hoping the added distance would ease her tension.

“Yeah, thanks,” she sighed, her relief palpable.

In the back of my mind, Koa’s voice cut through our thoughts. “I demand that you get a little closer.”

“I really want to, but can’t you see what it does to her?” I shot back, frustration creeping into my tone.

“Of course I see it,” he replied, undeterred, “but still, get closer.”

As our silent struggle continued, Addison turned her head slightly, a hint of amusement in her voice. “Looks like you’re having quite the conversation with Koa.”

“Is it that obvious?” I asked, unable to hide my embarrassment.

She chuckled softly, a sound I cherished. “I’m surprised I guessed it right. You could’ve been talking to Tyler.”

“Not at all. Tyler’s given us some space and won’t dare interrupt unless it’s absolutely urgent.”

Her brow furrowed slightly. “Speaking of Tyler, it looked like you were really going to attack him when our hands were about to touch.”

I let out a heavy sigh, regret lacing my words. “To be honest, I was. I just got… possessive.”

Her heartbeat quickened, and I couldn’t help but smirk at the effect my words had on her. Koa, too, swelled with pride at my admission.

Although I couldn’t see her face as she faced forward, I hoped that her lips had turned up into a smile.

Yet, just as I was reveling in the moment, she turned to me again, her expression tinged with sadness. “It’s strange. I was so calm when Tyler and I held hands, but with you, it feels completely different. I wish this feeling would just disappear.”

“It will,” I assured her, my voice steady. “I’ll find a way.”

She sighed, glancing away as if searching for an answer in the shadows. “I guess you want things to be normal as much as I do.”

“Of course. Keeping my distance is the last thing I want,” I admitted, my heart heavy with the truth of my words.

“I’m curious,” she said, her curiosity piqued. “What were you going to say when Tyler interrupted you while trying to stop you from attacking him?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, I replied, “I just couldn’t stand him touching you.”

Her heart skipped a beat, but this time, she didn’t chuckle. Instead, she looked back at me, her eyes shadowed with sadness.

“I’m glad you didn’t hurt him. He’s your blood brother. I’ve never been able to shake the guilt of hurting Jess.”

“Who’s Jess?” I asked, genuinely intrigued.

“A childhood friend,” she replied, her voice suddenly distant.

“And why did you hurt her?”

Suddenly, she picked up her pace, clearing her throat as if to shake off the memory. “Oh, it was just a little accident. That’s all.”

Her body language was telling; it was clear she didn’t want to delve into the past. Whatever had transpired must have been more significant than she was letting on.

“Oh, shit,” she exclaimed, rubbing her temples in frustration. “Look at the time. I really need to head home.”

She bent her knees slightly, the unmistakable sign that she was about to sprint away, but I couldn’t allow that to happen.

“I know you have to leave, but this is just too much,” I insisted, shaking my head firmly.

“What are you talking about?” she asked, confusion etched on her face.

“Turn around and look at me.”

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “There you go again, making yourself sound all high and mighty—”

“I said turn around and look at me,” I repeated, my voice taking on a commanding tone.

With a sigh, she finally complied, turning to face me. The moment our eyes met, I felt an irresistible urge to step closer.

But she instinctively took a defensive step back, halting me in my tracks.

“To be honest, I’ve gotten much closer than this, like at the arena earlier today, and you didn’t actually attack me,” she pointed out, her voice steady.

“That doesn’t matter. It was still unbearable to have you so near,” I countered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

“I know, but in a second, I’m getting closer,” I warned her, my resolve hardening.

Though his words piqued my interest, I couldn’t bear the thought of him continuing to talk about her.

“Keep going like this, and Addison will be all you can think about. Then we’ll have a problem,” I warned him, clenching my jaw.

“Come on. There have been other girls in the past and—”

“They weren’t Addison. None of them could do what she did to me.”

“Yeah? What did she do?” He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

“None of your business. I won’t discuss that part with you, but something else happened when I touched her.”

“What? You touched her?” His eyes widened in disbelief.

I sighed, feeling the weight of my actions. “Yes.”

“And she allowed it?”

“Look, I just couldn’t help it, okay?”

“That was totally wrong! You better apologize to her.”

I scoffed at the absurdity of it. “Why would a lycan prince apologize?”

“Have you considered the possibility that she hates you now?”

“No. That’s not happening.” I shook my head firmly, unwilling to entertain the thought.

“But what if—”

“Can you stop filling my head with these negative thoughts about Addison and just listen to what happened?” I interrupted, irritation creeping into my voice.

“Fine.” He raised his hands in defeat, conceding to my demand.

Shocked by what I had to share, he began to pace, his mind racing.

“That really happened?” he asked, disbelief etched across his face.

“Yes, and like I said, it stopped as soon as I let her go.”

“I’m telling you, brother, something’s off about Addison!” he exclaimed, his eyes wide with realization. “Now that you’ve told me all this, I can’t ignore this detail anymore. I believe what happened was real. There’s something else I haven’t told you. It happened when I held her hand.”

“What is it?” I pressed, curiosity piquing once more.