In \u201cHealing Slowly But Surely,\u201d the chapter titled \u201cThe Devil In My Pants\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
As the conversation unfolds, Zevran\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
**Healing Slowly But Surely**
\n**By R. Joseph**<\/p>\n
**37 The Devil In My Pants.**<\/p>\n
Zevran.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not wolfless anymore, and if you doubt me, I can show you. Let\u2019s meet somewhere quiet. Bring your brothers, and we\u2019ll sort this out,\u201d Leilani said, her nonchalance evident in her shrug. Heaven help me, I was at a loss for how to process her words.<\/p>\n
Did she really just dismiss the mate bond we shared so casually? Was it because of that Frostclaw guy?<\/p>\n
I shook my head, trying to clear the confusion. \u201cWhen did this happen? How long have you known?\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cWhat?\u201d she whispered, her tone playful yet challenging.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince when did you discover you had a wolf?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been aware for quite some time now\u2026 but honestly, Zevran Stormborn, it\u2019s not really your concern, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, it is!\u201d 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. \u201cHow could you keep this a secret? How could you stay silent all this time? Do you even realize that everyone thinks you\u2019re a runt?\u201d<\/p>\n
She shrugged again, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. \u201cLet them believe whatever they want. It\u2019s none of my concern!\u201d Her tone was sharp, and she picked up the remote like it was an afterthought. \u201cBut I can\u2019t quite grasp why you\u2019re so bothered by it,\u201d she teased, tilting her head and studying me closely, \u201c\u2026if I didn\u2019t know any better, I might say you seem\u2026 regretful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWatch your words, Leilani!\u201d I shot back, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks.<\/p>\n
No way I was blushing. That was impossible, right?<\/p>\n
\u2018Oh, you\u2019re definitely blushing!\u2019 Morwen, my wolf, chimed in smugly. I quickly shut him out, desperate to maintain my composure.<\/p>\n
Blushing was not something I did. I had never blushed in my life, and it certainly couldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Definitely not.<\/p>\n
\u2018Then why\u2019s your face so warm? Why\u2019s there that goofy smile on your lips?\u2019 Morwen continued, and I cast my eyes down, muttering under my breath.<\/p>\n
\u2018Shut up!\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cZevran!\u201d Leilani\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t help but smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour house is lovely,\u201d I complimented, genuinely impressed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you\u2019ve definitely overstayed your welcome,\u201d she shot back, her tone sharp enough to make me gulp. I dropped my gaze, confusion swirling within me.<\/p>\n
What was wrong with me?<\/p>\n
Why was I feeling so\u2026 emotional? So out of character?<\/p>\n
\u201cSo\u2026 so you have a wolf?\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just told you I do,\u201d she snapped, taking a big bite of the fruit.<\/p>\n
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\u2026 over a piece of fruit.<\/p>\n
A freaking apple!<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Then it hit me like a cold wave of realization\u2014she hadn\u2019t asked me to sit down.<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t want me here.<\/p>\n
But I wanted to be here. So, against my better judgment, I took a seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s good news, really,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure. \u201cIt\u2019s a good thing. At least now you won\u2019t feel so isolated from everyone else. You won\u2019t feel so different\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what about my demeanor makes you think I want to be just like everyone else?\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Wait\u2026 what?<\/p>\n
I was becoming a creep, a pervert. This was not like me!<\/p>\n
I froze, my thoughts racing. \u201cYou don\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf being like everyone else is the only way you\u2019ll accept me, then I don\u2019t want it. Now, if you wouldn\u2019t mind, I\u2019d like to have my dinner and then get some rest. We\u2019re done here.\u201d<\/p>\n
But I did mind.<\/p>\n
I wanted to share dinner with her.<\/p>\n
I wanted to lie beside her.<\/p>\n
Goddess, what was happening to me?<\/p>\n
I averted my gaze, slowly rising to my feet. She stood as well, arms folded tightly across her chest, her expression icy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019ve figured out a place and time, let me know. I\u2019ll be there,\u201d she said, her voice firm.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, okay,\u201d I replied, noticing how she began to walk toward the door, subtly urging me to leave.<\/p>\n
I followed her, stopping when she reached the door, pulling it open and turning to offer me a smile that didn\u2019t quite reach her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t nice to see you today, Zevran. I sincerely hope this doesn\u2019t become a regular occurrence.\u201d<\/p>\n
I felt my heart drop, my mind momentarily blank at her words. I shook my head, embarrassment flooding me. \u201cIt won\u2019t. I promise it won\u2019t. I\u2019ll make sure of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you,\u201d she whispered, stepping aside to allow me to pass.<\/p>\n
But for reasons I couldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
I really didn\u2019t want to leave.<\/p>\n
Maybe I shouldn\u2019t leave\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cAlpha Stormborn, goodnight,\u201d her impatient voice echoed in my mind, and I nodded, feeling a mixture of reluctance and urgency.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t wait to hear her response, racing to my car and driving off like the devil himself had set my pants on fire.<\/p>\n
What on earth had I just done?<\/p>\n
As I drove away from Leilani\u2019s 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\u2014feelings 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\u2019t just about overcoming my past; it was about embracing the vulnerability that came with opening my heart to someone else.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s already tumultuous connection? With the mate bond in question, Zevran\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s storytelling style is immersive and addictive\u2014perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.<\/p>\n
Healing Slowly But Surely By R. Joseph 37 Healing Slowly But Surely By R. Joseph 37 Summary In \u201cHealing Slowly […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23240","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-chosen-by-none-feared-by-all"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23240","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23240"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23240\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23240"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23240"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23240"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}