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“Raj,” she starts, her voice soft, almost hesitant. There's a fragility to it that makes me want to reach out and hold her, to promise her safety with more than just words.

“Yeah?” I keep my tone light, not wanting to spook her. My tiger instincts stir, urging me to protect her, but I hold them back, knowing she needs to feel in control.

She steps closer, so close I can feel the warmth radiating from her like a gentle fire. Her hand reaches out, brushing against my arm. The contact sends a jolt through me, my weretiger instincts roaring to life, muscles tensing with the urge to protect and claim. I can almost hear the primal part of me growling in approval, urging me to lean into her touch, to let her know she's safe with me.

“Thank you,” she whispers, her voice soft and fragile, like she's afraid it might shatter. “For everything tonight.” Her words hang in the air between us, and I can feel the weight of all the unspoken fears and hopes she carries.

It's not just gratitude; it's a small crack in the wall she's built around herself. I want to reassure her, to tell her I've got her back.

It takes all my self-control not to close the gap between us, to not pull her into my arms and promise that I’ll always be there for her. My weretiger instincts are thrumming, urging me to claim and protect her, but I hold back, knowing it’s not the right time.

"Anytime," I manage to say, my voice coming out rougher than I intend, betraying the intensity of my feelings. I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure, but ‌she affects me more than I care to admit.

She smiles then, a small but genuine smile that lights up her face and makes my heart skip a beat. It's the smile that could melt the iciest of hearts, and mine’s already a puddle at her feet.

“Goodnight, Raj,” she whispers, her voice carrying a note of vulnerability that tugs at my heartstrings, making me want to wrap her in my arms and never let go.

“Goodnight, Felicity,” I reply, stepping back reluctantly, fighting the urge to follow her inside and ensure she’s truly safe. My instincts roar within me, demanding I stay close to her, but I force myself to turn away, knowing she needs her space. As I walk away, I can still feel the warmth of her smile lingering in the cool night air. A promise of something more.

She lingers for a moment longer, her eyes locking with mine in a silent exchange that speaks volumes. There's something raw and unspoken between us, a connection that neither of us fully understands yet. After what feels like an eternity, she turns and unlocks her door. The sight of her slipping inside, the door closing with a soft click, leaves me standing there, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions.

The night air feels cooler without her warmth, an emptiness settling in as I miss her presence already. The beast within me paces restlessly, its primalinstincts demanding I stay close to my mate. But for now, it's content knowing she's safe behind that door. It's a small victory, enough to keep my animal side in check.

I turn away reluctantly, heading to my place. Each step feels heavier, as if the distance between us is a physical weight pressing down on me. My mind swirls with thoughts of Felicity, her bright hazel eyes and the gentle curve of her smile haunting my every thought.

The scent of her lingers in the air, a tantalizing reminder of what could be mingling with the cool night breeze. It's almost enough to make me turn back to pound on her door and beg for just a few more moments in her presence. But for now, I have to be content with the memory of her warmth and the hope that this night is just the beginning.

CHAPTER FIVE

Felicity

A week later, I find myself back at the comedy club, leaning against the bar with a tray in hand. Raj is on stage again, his presence magnetic. His jokes draw laughter from the crowd, and I can't help but join in, feeling the tension in my shoulders melt away. The way he commands the room is mesmerizing, almost as if he’s weaving a spell over everyone with his humor.

Raj’s eyes sweep across the audience, and for a moment, they lock onto mine. He winks, and I feel a blush creep up my cheeks. There's something about him that draws me in, an inexplicable pull that makes me feel both nervous and safe. It’s like the room fades away, leaving just the two of us in a silent, electric connection.

He wraps up his set with a punchline that has the crowd roaring. As he steps off stage, our eyes meet again, and my heart races. I quickly turn away, busying myself by collecting empty glasses from a nearby table, but I can still feel the warmth of his gaze on me, lingering like a gentle touch.

“Enjoying the show?” His voice, warm and inviting, washes over me as he approaches, and I can feel my pulse quicken.

“Yeah, you’re pretty funny,” I reply, attempting to keep my tone casual, though the smile tugging at my lips betrays me. I hope he doesn't notice the slight tremor in my voice.

“Pretty funny? I'll take that as a compliment.” He grins, leaning against the bar beside me, his presence magnetic, pulling me in without effort.

I can’t help but laugh again, the sound surprising even me. “Well, don’t let it go to your head.” I meet his gaze, and for a moment, the noise of the club fades into the background. His eyes seem to flicker with something primal, something that makes my heart race even more.

“I won’t,” he promises, though his eyes sparkle with mischief, a hint of something deeper lingering there. “You seem more relaxed tonight.”

“Maybe I am.” I shrug, trying to downplay the significance, but there’s truth in my words. “It’s been nice... having some normalcy for a change.”

He nods, a gentle understanding in his gaze that makes my heart flutter. “Good. You deserve that.” His words are simple, but they carry a weight that makes me feel seen in a way I haven't in a long time.

“Thanks,” I murmur, feeling a warmth spread through me. “It’s not often I get to just... be myself.”

Raj's expression softens even more, and he leans in slightly, the proximity making my breath hitch. “You should get to be yourself all the time, Felicity. No one should take that away from you.”

His words resonate deeply, and I find myself drawn even closer. The club’s noise fades further into the background, leaving just the two of us in this moment. The primalflicker in his eyes is back, and I can’t help but wonder what secrets he's hiding.

A warmth spreads through me at his words, wrapping around my heart like a comforting blanket. For so long, I've been on edge, constantly looking over my shoulder, every shadow a potential threat. But around Raj, things feel different. Safe.