Healing Slowly But Surely By R. Joseph 37

Healing Slowly But Surely By R. Joseph 37 Summary

In “Healing Slowly But Surely,” the chapter titled “The Devil In My Pants” revolves around the intense and confusing interaction between Zevran and Leilani. Zevran is caught off guard when Leilani casually mentions her newfound wolf identity, which challenges their previously established mate bond. His emotions are a mix of confusion, jealousy, and a desperate need for connection, as he grapples with the implications of her revelation and the apparent indifference she displays towards him.

As the conversation unfolds, Zevran’s frustration grows when Leilani dismisses the significance of her wolf and their bond. He feels a sense of betrayal and disbelief, questioning how she could keep such an important part of her identity hidden from him. Leilani’s playful yet challenging demeanor only intensifies his feelings, leading to a moment of vulnerability where he realizes he is emotionally affected by her presence, something he has never experienced before. This internal struggle is highlighted by his wolf, Morwen, who teases him about his blushing and attraction to Leilani.

Despite the tension, there is a palpable chemistry between them. Zevran finds himself captivated by Leilani, even envying a simple apple she eats, which symbolizes his desire for closeness and intimacy. However, Leilani’s firm rejection of conformity and her insistence on independence create a barrier that Zevran is desperate to breach. He longs to share moments with her, but she remains guarded, expressing her need for solitude and pushing him away.

The chapter culminates in a moment of impulsiveness as Zevran, overwhelmed by his emotions, kisses Leilani on the cheek before fleeing the scene. This act signifies both his yearning for connection and his fear of rejection. As he drives away, he reflects on the reckless decision he made, feeling a mix of exhilaration and dread. The chapter ends on a note of uncertainty, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of their relationship and the emotional healing that lies ahead for both characters.

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**Healing Slowly But Surely**
**By R. Joseph**

**37 The Devil In My Pants.**

Zevran.

“I’m not wolfless anymore, and if you doubt me, I can show you. Let’s meet somewhere quiet. Bring your brothers, and we’ll sort this out,” Leilani said, her nonchalance evident in her shrug. Heaven help me, I was at a loss for how to process her words.

Did she really just dismiss the mate bond we shared so casually? Was it because of that Frostclaw guy?

I shook my head, trying to clear the confusion. “When did this happen? How long have you known?”

A frown creased her brow, and she shrugged as if my question was trivial. Stepping away from me, she sank into a plush sofa that looked like it could swallow her whole. “What?” she whispered, her tone playful yet challenging.

“Since when did you discover you had a wolf?”

“I’ve been aware for quite some time now… but honestly, Zevran Stormborn, it’s not really your concern, is it?”

“Of course, it is!” I exclaimed, my voice rising, startling her enough that she dropped the remote control she had been fiddling with. She turned to me, her eyes wide with surprise. “How could you keep this a secret? How could you stay silent all this time? Do you even realize that everyone thinks you’re a runt?”

She shrugged again, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. “Let them believe whatever they want. It’s none of my concern!” Her tone was sharp, and she picked up the remote like it was an afterthought. “But I can’t quite grasp why you’re so bothered by it,” she teased, tilting her head and studying me closely, “…if I didn’t know any better, I might say you seem… regretful.”

“Watch your words, Leilani!” I shot back, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks.

No way I was blushing. That was impossible, right?

‘Oh, you’re definitely blushing!’ Morwen, my wolf, chimed in smugly. I quickly shut him out, desperate to maintain my composure.

Blushing was not something I did. I had never blushed in my life, and it certainly couldn’t be because Leilani was sitting right in front of me, her curious gaze locked onto mine, a teasing smile dancing on her lips, mischief sparkling in her eyes.

Definitely not.

‘Then why’s your face so warm? Why’s there that goofy smile on your lips?’ Morwen continued, and I cast my eyes down, muttering under my breath.

‘Shut up!’

“Zevran!” Leilani’s voice cut through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality. When I finally focused, I found her scrutinizing me, arms crossed and her brow furrowed in skepticism.

It was then that I caught a whiff of something delicious wafting through the air, and my stomach growled in response. I looked around the cozy room that screamed: LEILANI! and couldn’t help but smile.

“Your house is lovely,” I complimented, genuinely impressed.

“And you’ve definitely overstayed your welcome,” she shot back, her tone sharp enough to make me gulp. I dropped my gaze, confusion swirling within me.

What was wrong with me?

Why was I feeling so… emotional? So out of character?

“So… so you have a wolf?” I stammered, noticing the flicker of discomfort that crossed her face before she turned and walked away toward one of the rooms. Moments later, she returned, a large red apple in hand, and settled back into her chair with a casual grace.

“I just told you I do,” she snapped, taking a big bite of the fruit.

I found myself unable to look away as she savored the apple. For the first time in my life, I felt a pang of jealousy… over a piece of fruit.

A freaking apple!

I envied the way she sunk her teeth into it, wondering if she would ever bite into me with that same fervor. I was captivated by the way the juice glistened on her lips, the way she moaned softly as the sweetness flooded her taste buds, completely unaware of the effect she had on me.

Then it hit me like a cold wave of realization—she hadn’t asked me to sit down.

She didn’t want me here.

But I wanted to be here. So, against my better judgment, I took a seat.

“That’s good news, really,” I murmured, unsure if I was making any sense, but desperately wanting to stay. I wanted to keep gazing at her, to admire how her flimsy nightdress hugged her curves in a way that was both innocent and enticing.

I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure. “It’s a good thing. At least now you won’t feel so isolated from everyone else. You won’t feel so different…”

“And what about my demeanor makes you think I want to be just like everyone else?” she snapped, placing the half-eaten apple on the table. Meanwhile, I had to suppress the urge to reach for it and claim it as mine.

Wait… what?

I was becoming a creep, a pervert. This was not like me!

I froze, my thoughts racing. “You don’t?”

“If being like everyone else is the only way you’ll accept me, then I don’t want it. Now, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to have my dinner and then get some rest. We’re done here.”

But I did mind.

I wanted to share dinner with her.

I wanted to lie beside her.

Goddess, what was happening to me?

I averted my gaze, slowly rising to my feet. She stood as well, arms folded tightly across her chest, her expression icy.

“When you’ve figured out a place and time, let me know. I’ll be there,” she said, her voice firm.

“Oh, okay,” I replied, noticing how she began to walk toward the door, subtly urging me to leave.

I followed her, stopping when she reached the door, pulling it open and turning to offer me a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“It wasn’t nice to see you today, Zevran. I sincerely hope this doesn’t become a regular occurrence.”

I felt my heart drop, my mind momentarily blank at her words. I shook my head, embarrassment flooding me. “It won’t. I promise it won’t. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, stepping aside to allow me to pass.

But for reasons I couldn’t quite comprehend, my heart began to race, a bead of sweat forming on my forehead. My hands felt clammy, and Morwen was stirring restlessly within me.

I really didn’t want to leave.

Maybe I shouldn’t leave…

“Alpha Stormborn, goodnight,” her impatient voice echoed in my mind, and I nodded, feeling a mixture of reluctance and urgency.

“Okay.”

But just before I stepped out, I leaned in quickly, pressing a fleeting kiss to her cheek before she could react, then slammed the door shut behind me, eager to escape before she could unleash her fury.

I didn’t wait to hear her response, racing to my car and driving off like the devil himself had set my pants on fire.

What on earth had I just done?

Conclusion

As I drove away from Leilani’s house, a whirlwind of emotions swirled within me, leaving me both exhilarated and terrified. The kiss had been impulsive, a reckless act driven by an overwhelming desire to connect, yet it also felt like a declaration of my feelings—feelings I had tried to suppress for far too long. I could still feel the warmth of her skin beneath my lips, the shock in her eyes, and the way my heart raced as I left her standing there, a mixture of confusion and longing etched on her face. In that moment, I realized that healing wasn’t just about overcoming my past; it was about embracing the vulnerability that came with opening my heart to someone else.

Driving into the night, I understood that my journey with Leilani was only beginning. The complexities of our bond, the challenges ahead, and the ghosts of my insecurities loomed large, but for the first time, I felt a flicker of hope. I was no longer just Zevran Stormborn, the wolf without a mate; I was a man willing to fight for what I wanted, even if it meant facing the unknown. As the city lights blurred past, I made a silent promise to myself: I would not shy away from this connection, no matter how daunting it seemed. Healing might be slow, but with Leilani, I was ready to embrace the journey, one step at a time.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, the tension between Zevran and Leilani is poised to escalate as the fallout from his impulsive kiss begins to unravel. With emotions running high and unresolved feelings bubbling beneath the surface, readers can expect a deeper exploration of their complex relationship. Will Leilani confront Zevran about his unexpected display of affection, or will she choose to play it cool, keeping him on his toes? The stakes are higher than ever, and the consequences of their actions may lead to revelations that neither of them anticipated.

Moreover, as Zevran grapples with his feelings, the looming presence of the Frostclaw guy adds an intriguing layer of conflict. What does this mysterious figure want, and how will his involvement affect Zevran and Leilani’s already tumultuous connection? With the mate bond in question, Zevran’s insecurities are bound to surface, prompting him to confront not only his feelings for Leilani but also his identity as a wolf. Readers will be on the edge of their seats, eager to see how Zevran navigates this emotional minefield while trying to protect what little he has left of his heart. The next chapter promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, revelations, and perhaps a few surprising twists that will leave readers breathless and yearning for more.

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

Chosen by None, Feared by All Chapter 37

Healing Slowly But Surely By R. Joseph 37