The Human Among Wolves (Aurora) novel Chapter 305

Chapter 305

Aurora

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The first light of morning filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm, gentle glow across the room. I stirred before Zayn, blinking a few

times as my mind slowly came awake. He was still curled up on the bed, back turned toward me, his breathing steady and deep, the kind of

sleep that made him seem almost untouchable. For a moment, I just watched him, memorizing the way the morning light hit his face, the way

his dark lashes rested against his cheeks, the quiet rise and fall of his chest.

I leaned forward, careful not to disturb him, and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. His skin was warm beneath my lips, and I felt a small, almost

imperceptible shift, a twitch, but he didn’t wake.

Slipping out of the bed, I moved toward the bathroom, enjoying the soft padding of my bare feet across the floor. One of the things I loved most about staying in Zayn’s dorm was his personal bathroom. It was small but elegant, with clean lines and a faint scent of soap that made the space feel almost private, almost mine, for the brief moments I occupied it.

I stepped under the warm water, letting it cascade over me, and let myself relax for a while. The heat eased the stiffness from my muscles, and

I took a few deep breaths, letting the quiet and warmth wash over me. After a few minutes, I finished up, brushed my teeth, and ran a hand through my damp hair, trying to tame the slight messiness that had accumulated overnight. By the time I was done, I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling a small flicker of satisfaction. I was presentable, clean, ready to face the day–or at least Zayn–without feeling like a mess.

When I stepped back into his room, he was still asleep, lying on his side, his back to me, the soft light of morning highlighting the sharpness of his features softened by rest. I paused in the doorway, taking a quiet moment to watch him. There was a rhythm to the rise and fall of his chest, the curve of his lips in the relaxed peace of sleep. For a moment, I just stood there, letting myself take in the familiar and comforting sight, savoring it before the day demanded attention.

The room smelled faintly of him, the scent of sleep and faint cologne lingering in the air. I quietly set down the towel I had carried with me, careful not to disturb the sheets or the slight disarray from where we had lain together. The bed looked impossibly large and empty with him on one side, yet the sight of him made it feel full, alive, like it had held more than just sleep.

For a few long seconds, I let the silence stretch, listening to the quiet hum of the dorm around us, the faint creak of the building settling, and the steady, comforting sound of Zayn breathing. It was a rare kind of peace, the calm before the inevitable rush of the day, and I wanted to savor it for as long as I could.

The quiet hum of the room was broken by the soft vibration of my phone on the nightstand. I frowned slightly and reached for it, careful not to make too much noise as I picked it up. The screen lit up in the dark, and my chest tightened when I saw the name.

Mom.

I sat on the edge of the bed and opened the message.

Hey, honey. I just wanted to check–are you coming home for Christmas Eve so we can celebrate together?

F**k.

The word formed instantly in my mind. Christmas. It was only a few days away, and somehow, with everything that had been happening, it had completely slipped past me. I let out a quiet sigh, rubbing my thumb over the edge of my phone while I stared at the screen. For a brief moment, I considered making up an excuse–something believable, something safe. I could say I had obligations. That I’m busy. Anything-

But the thought didn’t sit right.

12:41 Thu, Jan 29 BGB.

Chapter 305

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there had never been a year when I hadn’t spent Christmas with my family No matter how complicated things became, no matter how distant

or strained we were, Christmas had always been the one constant. The one thing I never walked away from.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard as I thought it through, my gaze drifting briefly back to the bed. To him. To the steady presence that had

quietly worked its way into my life.

Before I could second–guess myself, I typed out a reply.

Is it okay if I bring someone?

I stared at the message for a moment after sending it, my heart beating just a little faster than before.

Her reply came almost immediately, the screen lighting up in my hand.

Of course, honey. Your boyfriend?

I froze.

For a second, I just stared at the word, my thoughts tangling over themselves. Boyfriend. We had never actually said it out loud. We never sat

down and defined anything, never labeled what we were. We were mates–Hound in a way that didn’t need explanations. We slept in the same

bed, shared quiet mornings and heavy truths, kissed like it meant something because it did. Everything couples did, we did too.

And yet… the word still made me hesitate.

Was it official? Did it need to be?

I let out a small breath and shook my head, as if clearing the doubt from my thoughts.

Some things didn’t need overthinking.

Some things simply were.

My fingers moved over the screen before I could talk myself out of it.

Yes. My boyfriend. His name’s Zayn. See you on Thursday!

The reply came just as quickly.

Can’t wait. Love you.

A warmth settled in my chest as I set the phone back down on the nightstand. I turned my head toward Zayn, watching him for a moment as he slept, his breathing slow and steady, completely unaware of the quiet decision I’d just made.

Smiling softly, I leaned closer and gently shook his shoulder.

12:41 Thu. Jan 29 G GB.

The Human Among Wolves