The Human Among Wolves (Aurora) novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60

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I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. My eyes wandered, betraying me, slipping past him into the dim space of his dorm. The

bed was unmade, sheets rumpled and tangled. A faint curl of steam drifted from the half–open bathroom door, the air still carrying

the sharp, clean scent of soap

“What… what are you doing here?” he asked again, sharper this time when he realized I still hadn’t answered. His gaze locked on

mine, expectant, demanding something. Anything.

I swallowed hard, lips parting at last to speak–when he shifted. Just a single step back. But it was enough.

The towel that had been clinging, barely knotted around his waist, slipped loose. Time seemed to slow as it unraveled, sliding down

his hips before dropping to the floor.

My heart lurched.

I froze, every muscle in my body locked, caught between horror and something dangerously close to laughter. I hadn’t planned this.

I hadn’t wanted this. It wasn’t exactly on my Saturday morning to–do list–see Zayn’s dick–but here it was, served to me on a silver

platter.

Against my better judgment, my gaze flicked downward for a heartbeat, heat rushing to my face before I snapped my eyes back up

to his. He was utterly still, his jaw tight, as though waiting for my reaction. I bit down hard on my lower lip, trying to suppress the

smile tugging at the corners of my mouth, because there was nothing funny about this–nothing. And yet my body betrayed me.

He picked up the towel, fumbling to wrap it back around his waist. His movements were quick, almost frantic, the kind of clumsy

you only saw when someone who was usually composed had completely lost their footing. His damp hair fell into his eyes as he

tugged the fabric tight, tying it with more force than necessary, his jaw locked like he was holding back every curse he wanted to

throw at the universe.

“I—I didn’t….…….. I wasn’t expecting- His words faltered, breaking apart as he struggled to gather them. He glanced down at himself,

then back at me, and for the first time, I saw something raw flicker across his face. Embarrassment. Maybe even panic.

*I… I just took a shower,” he muttered finally, his voice quieter, strained. “And then… you showed up…”

The weight of his stare pressed on me, and suddenly I realized I was still standing there, clutching a book to my chest like a shield,

gawking at him like an idiot. Heat surged into my cheeks again, and I tore my gaze away.

“I’m sorry,” I blurted at last, my voice trembling but honest. “I know I should’ve called first…”

Zayn finally straightened, his chest heaving with frustration, and dragged a hand over his face. He wouldn’t look at me, not at first.

His ears were red, his mouth pressed in a thin line, as if the act of existing in front of me like that was the single most humiliating

thing that had ever happened to him.

When he finally did meet my eyes, his glare was sharp enough to pin me in place. “You should have called. I already told you I don’t like surprise visits.” His voice was rough, not quite angry but edged with something he didn’t want me to see–embarrassment,

maybe. Vulnerability.

III

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12:00 Thu, Jan 29 B B B

Chapter 60

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My throat tightened, and despite the chaos in my head, I nearly laughed. The great Zayn–who carried himself like the world couldn’t touch him–was actually flustered. And somehow, that made it worse.

“I said I was sorry,” 1 mumbled, trying to keep my voice steady, though the words came out smaller than I intended.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, the muscles in his shoulders tense. “Yeah, well… sorry doesn’t erase that.”