Chapter Sixty One - My Clothes - Maya's POV

When he comes out of the closet, he has another t-shirt and shorts in his hands and tosses them onto the bed without a second glance. 'Here you go," he says simply. He turns his back to me and adjusts his own shirt. The casual way he's going about all of this only adds to my unease. It's too easy. I glance at the clothes on the bed, then back at his bedroom door. My mind is racing, refusing to accept what he just did. I could take these clothes and put them on, but something keeps me rooted in place. Once again, I glance at the clothes then the door when he doesn't move toward it. I thought he would go to my room and get me my own. Not this. Why didn't he just go get my clothes? Wasn't that the plan and what I asked? But instead, he gives me his own. I glance up at him again. His back is still to me. His movements are easy, like everything is completely normal, but I can't shake the feeling this isn't normal nor is it just to be nice. There is a motive behind him giving me his clothes. I take a step closer to the bed, running my fingers over the soft fabric of the t-shirt. It's simple, nothing too fancy, but it's part of him. It's been worn by him. And I'm not sure I want to be that close. I look at the door, part of me wondering if I could just leave. Would it even matter if I put on these clothes or not? 'Do you trust me yet?" He asks, still not turning around. I swallow hard. 'Why are you giving me some of your clothes? I have perfectly fine ones in my room." He doesn't answer immediately. The question hangs in the air for several seconds. Slowly, he turns around, his expression neutral. 'I gave you my clothes because that is what I chose to do," he says, his tone steady. 'You don't have to wear them if you don't want to, but you asked for something comfortable, and I had those things here." His voice is calm, almost reassuring. But there is something in the way he says it that makes me question everything. Can I really just put these on? 'For tonight, just wear my clothes," he continues. 'You might not like it, but I've already made the choice. Now it's your turn." 'Why?" He glances at the wall that he shares with my room. 'If I walk into that room, I'm going to lose control of my wolf. Please, put these on." I feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up. The way he says it makes me believe he's about to lose it in this room without seeing the carnage of the other room. It's not a request anymore. It feels more like an ultimatum. I glance down at the bed and slowly reach for the clothes. Once they are in my hands, I look back at him and notice his glowing golden eyes. His eyes are fixed on me now and there's a flicker of something there, as if he is fighting with all he has to keep the wolf in check. 'What's happening to you?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. 'Why would seeing the room make you lose it?" He takes a slow breath, trying to calm himself. 'It's instinct, Maya. My wolf doesn't like the scent of blood and with what is in that room it'll push me too far." His jaw tightens and ticks as his posture shifts. He's struggling so hard. 'Please. Just wear those clothes for tonight. I need time to calm down, so I won't claim you right here." I freeze. His vulnerability, even though it's laced with power, stirs something within me. It feels like a mix of sympathy and wariness. Yet, I still can't shake the feeling that this is more than just about the clothes. I almost glance at the door, thinking of leaving, but I don't. The mere thought of being anywhere in that room, near all the blood and wolves, sends a chill down my spine. I'd rather be here where it's safe, though it is a little uncomfortable. 'You don't have to trust me yet," he says softly. 'But this is what I need. Just for tonight." I look at the clothes again and though part of me resists the idea of doing this, I give in. 'Okay, I'll wear them." His shoulders relax, but the intensity of his stare doesn't fade. 'Thank you." He turns back around, keeping his back to me. I watch him for a few seconds before I realize he truly isn't going to peek. I shed the robe and slip into the t-shirt and shorts quickly. The navy t-shirt hangs down to my knees almost while the shorts are a little too big. I roll them a couple of times and that seems to fix it. When I finish dressing, I stand there for a moment, waiting for him to turn around. But he doesn't move. Instead, he just stands there as if he is distant in thought. 'I'm dressed," I whisper. He turns around slowly, his gaze sweeping over me with an intensity that surprises me. His eyes darken as they travel down the t-shirt. The shorts are hidden by the shirt, which I'm sure he noticed. There is a shift in his expression as if he is pleased with what he sees. 'You look comfortable," he says, his voice almost trailing off. I nod, not trusting myself to speak. My heart is racing again, but I can't tell if it's because of the way he looks at me or if it's just because I'm scared out of my wits. 'You're a little smaller than I thought, but it works," he adds. 'It works," I say, my voice barely audible. He gives a brief nod, his golden gaze trailing over the shirt once more. His posture is still tense, like he's holding back from something. The distance between us feels awkward. 'Good," he murmurs. His gaze finally meets mine again, and for the first time, I see something else. His golden eyes have faded to his normal color. He almost looks vulnerable, which is an odd thought. 'Let's get into bed, then," he whispers. I open my mouth to respond, but don't fight it. All I can do is nod and look down at the bed. Things are about to get interesting.