“I was conversing with my wolf outside, not experiencing a breakdown.”
“Ah, I deduced that.” Colton perched on the edge of her bed and placed the plate on the adjacent table. “Rumours tend to become increasingly dramatic by the time they reach you.”
Molly smiled faintly and embraced her knees to her chest. “I have been attempting to refrain from vocalising my responses, however-”
“Initially, it may prove challenging.” Colton acknowledged, twirling a gold ring on his finger as he spoke. “It took me years to completely cease. Even now, I occasionally vocalise thoughts intended for private contemplation. Is yours causing you difficulties?”
Molly was unable to prevent her cheeks from reddening. She lamented her flush and implored the chill to dispel it. “No. She is well, merely difficult to acclimatise to.”
Colton acquiesced with a deliberate nod. I can only advise you to practise mental responses. It will become easier over time, although it is challenging when they seem to be right beside you.
Molly recoiled as the door of her cabin abruptly swung open.
“I anticipated discovering both of you here.”
Molly and Colton observed Jayce, whose expression exhibited a semblance of indifference that appeared contrived. His face bore a slight flush, leaving her uncertain whether it resulted from the cold or the anger he endeavoured to conceal.
His voice was laced with a lethal venom that sent a chill through her as he enquired, “When were you going to inform me that you were lovers?”
What?Molly realised she had misheard him; there was no alternative interpretation for his statement. Colton merely raised his eyebrows in mild astonishment. He stood, and Jayce traversed the room in three swift strides to seize him by the throat and thrust him against the wall.
Jayce!Molly rose abruptly, her heart attempting to escape her chest. “What are you doing?” We are not romantically involved!
His eyes were frenzied with fury and an inexplicable jealousy. “It is common knowledge, do not deceive me!” I warned you of the consequences of deceit!He expectorated at Molly.
Colton appeared completely unfazed by Jayce’s outburst. He observed them both as Jayce restrained him against the wall. “She is not lying.” Remarkably, we have not yet engaged in a kiss.
Molly glared at him, wishing to strike him, as he was unhelpful. Jayce tightened his hold on Colton, who grasped his arm and began to twist it. Jayce winced and released him, only to immediately force him against the wall once more.
I was aware that you desired her for yourself. Correct me if I am mistaken.
“You are mistaken,” Colton stated plainly. Jayce struck the wall beside his head, causing Molly to recoil. Colton maintained his composure. “I am unaware of who has been disseminating falsehoods at this camp, but Molly is my friend.” I would never pursue another man’s… curiosity. The outcomes consistently conclude in tragedy, and I have no interest in it.
Jayce gazed at Colton for what seemed like an eternity before he released his hold and withdrew. He regarded him with scepticism, prepared to seize his throat once more if necessary. Colton adjusted his suit and scrutinised both individuals before proceeding to the door. “I abhor drama in my village; please endeavour to minimise it,” he remarked over his shoulder before shutting the door.
Jayce stood glaring at the door for several long minutes. He breathed hard, in and out, as he curled and uncurled his hands into fists. Molly hesitated before she stepped up to him.
What leads you to believe… Were we romantically involved?
Jayce fixed his piercing gaze upon her, prompting a desire to retreat; however, she was weary of shrinking from others. “I overheard it at the camp; it is the subject of widespread discussion.”
Molly knitted her brows. Naomi had not disclosed any information regarding that matter. When she escorted her to the cabin, Molly presumed it was to inform her about Jayce’s activities. Was that the reason for their collective gaze upon her?
It is untrue. Neither has he touched me, nor I him.
“I observe him frequently making contact with you,” Jayce hissed. He advanced towards her, prompting her to lean back slightly to meet his gaze. “It incites a desire within me to sever his arms for so casually touching you.” To gaze upon you and elicit your smile.
Molly swallowed and surveyed the vacant room. There was no avenue for escape or concealment; she could only confront him and his jealousy. Did he resent the notion that someone desired what he possessed? Did it incite a murderous impulse within him to witness another’s interest in her when he himself did not?
I possess no interest in Colton. “I assure you of that,” Molly stated with composure. She compelled herself to meet his gaze. He would not instill fear in her any longer. He inhaled sharply through his nose, his face mere inches from hers, and she could not recall when he had approached so closely. She sensed each of his breaths against her visage.
