The Human Among Wolves (Aurora) novel Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Aurora

Kael and I started heading back, his arm brushing against mine, when it happened.

“Aurora.”

Zayn’s voice cut through the quiet, low and sharp. My feet stopped on instinct before I could stop myself.

Kael stiffened beside me, his hand flexing at my hip like he was ready for round two.

I didn’t turn around. Didn’t want to. “What?” I asked.

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There was this long pause. I could hear him breathe, steady but heavy, like the words were caught in his throat.

Then he finally said it. Cold. Flat. “Don’t kid yourself into thinking Kael actually cares about you.”

Kael laughed under his breath, but it wasn’t amused–it was sharp, dangerous. “Bold talk, coming from the guy who just tried to break my jaw over her.”

Zayn ignored him completely. His eyes were on me–I could feel it without even looking.

“You matter to him?” Zayn’s voice didn’t even rise. If anything, it was worse because it was calm. Detached. “You don’t. To him, you’re just a distraction. Something to keep him entertained until he gets bored.”

“F**k you!” Kael snapped, ready to step forward, but I shoved a hand against his chest to hold him back.

I finally turned, my throat dry, my voice shaking but sharp anyway. And what was I to you, Zayn?”

His gaze caught mine. For a second–just a second–I swore I saw something flicker there, something that almost looked real.

But then he blinked, and it was gone.

“You really want to know?” he asked, voice rough.

“Yeah,” I shot back, even though part of me already wished I hadn’t.

His gaze locked on mine, colder than ice. “You were easy. That’s it. You threw yourself at me, and tell me what guy in his right

mind would turn that down?”

The ground dropped out from under me.

My chest burned, my throat closing up, but I stood there, frozen.

He didn’t stop. “Don’t act like it meant something. Don’t act like I tricked you. You made it easy, Aurora. Too easy.”

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12:06 Thu, Jan 29 GBB.

Chapter 107

My hands curled into fists at my sides, nails biting into my palms just to keep me upright.

“You are a fucking asshole,” I whispered, my voice shaking so hard hated myself for it.

Zayn tilted his head, that mocking little smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “No, Aurora. I’m just honest.”

Kael didn’t hesitate. His fist connected with Zayn’s jaw so hard the sound cracked through the clearing.

Zayn staggered back, hand flying to his face, but the look he gave Kael wasn’t shock. It was pure fury, sharp and dangerous.

“Say that again,” Kael snapped, his chest rising and falling fast. He was already squaring up for another hit.

I lurched forward, grabbing Kael’s arm before he could swing again. Kael–stop. Just stop.”

He turned his head toward me, eyes blazing, jaw tight. “You heard what he said.”

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“Yeah,” I said quickly, tugging hard on his sleeve, my voice low and shaking. “I heard it. But I’m not letting you get in trouble for

him.”

Zayn wiped at the blood on his lip with the back of his hand, that mocking little smile twisting his face again. Like he was proud of

the damage he caused even when he was the one bleeding.

I didn’t give him the satisfaction of a second glance.

“Come on,” I hissed, pulling harder on Kael’s arm until he finally let me drag him back toward camp. His fists were still clenched,

his whole body tense like he was one breath away from lunging again.

“Unbelievable,” he muttered under his breath, voice rough. “The way he talks to you-”

“I know,” I cut in fast, not trusting myself to say more.

By the time we slipped back into camp, the fire had burned down to a low, glowing pile of embers. The place was quiet, almost too

quiet, except for the soft rise and fall of everyone’s breathing. Most of the tents were zipped shut, and the ones who had their bags

out were already curled up inside them.

Kael slowed down beside me, his jaw still tight, knuckles raw and swollen from where he’d hit Zayn. I could tell he was still buzzing

with anger, the kind that doesn’t burn out right away.

12:06 Thu, Jan 29 GBG.

The Human Among Wolves