Brielle
My eyes fluttered slowly, bright light stabbing needles into my brain. Immediately I felt the sensation of pain all around my body and a loud groan left my lips.
"Don't worry, your body wouldn't hurt anymore." The soft baritone voice of a man swam into my ear, calming my nerves for a bit before I realized, I didn't know that voice.
Immediately my eyes flew open and I pushed myself up on the bed, my heart beat racing and my eyes darting around. But the sudden movement caused my bones to ache and I groaned out in pain.
"Easy, easy," the man said, rushing to my side and gently pressing me back onto the bed. "You need to rest. You've been through a lot." I tried to resist, but my body felt like lead, and I couldn't muster the strength to fight him off. He handed me a glass of water, and I took a sip, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat.
After taking water, I was able to focus. And my eyes met with particular pair of brown. A familiar pair.
He gave me a soft smile, and I jumped away, as my memories came back to me.
Rachel, escape, Zadyre.
Rachel.
"Calm down, Brielle. You are safe here."
My eyes filled with tears as I tried to push down my panic, my eyes darting around the room to see if I could trust him, or if I was back in the palace.
The room was a simple, yet elegant room, not seeming like anything I've seen in the palace.
"Wh-where am I?" I asked in a shaky voice, my eyes reaching to meet his. I didn't understand, the last thing I remember was Rachel and I running and Rachel sacrificing herself and me tripping into a ditch.
"Rachel…" I whispered, my eyes filling with tears and a calm hand patted my back.
"It's okay, Brielle. You are safe now. Rachel made that possible."
My eyes reached up to meet his and I saw sadness in his eyes. "I don't understand." I whispered.
He smiled calmly. "I'm Rachel's cousin, James. The plan was to get her out of the pack and to the human realm, but she refused to leave without you. She made me promise that if anything happens, I'll take care of you. No one can find you here in the human realm."
My eyes filled with tears and a sob raked through my body. Rachel was still looking out for me even after she died.
"I'm so sorry." I sobbed into my hand. "This wouldn't have happened if I-"
"If you what? Brielle? You were a captive. I'm glad you are safe from what they planned to do to you."
My tear filled eyes met his again, and I could see the anger and concern in them.
"What if they find me? I don't want you to get hurt for saving me."
James smiled softly, and his hand held mine, his warmth instantly making me feel better. "They would never find you, Brielle. I promise. They will never find you or your baby. You are safe now."
A stranger cared this much?
"Why do you care?" I whispered, not used to feeling care from others.
He smiled softly. "My cousin sacrificed her life for yours. Surely you are worth caring for."
Tears slipped down my eyes, and I choked out, "How would I ever repay you? I'll get a job, I'll pay for rent. I'll do anything-"
His eyes searched mine and he smiled. "Just take care of Rachel's godchild. That's what she would have wanted. Leave every other thing to me."
And instinctively, my hands widened, and I pulled him into a hug that took both of us off guard.
And I whispered, "thank you."
FIVE YEARS LATER
"Rachel! Micah! Nikki! Time for lunch!" I yelled and the sound of three little pairs of legs running down the stairs brought a smile on my face.
If I didn't know who their father was, I would have sworn it was James because of their eagerness for food Every time.
As if he read my mind, James appeared in the kitchen, his eyes tenderly looking into mine as he came to place a kiss on my head.
"Hey beautiful." He whispered and a blush crept into my cheeks.
It's been five years since James helped me out of the pack and brought me into this world where no one knew me.
It's been five years since I gave birth to the most beautiful gifts I could have ever asked for. It's been five years since my life has been perfect and it was all thanks to James. I had no care in the world.
"Hey," I beamed, turning to place a tender kiss on his lips.
When the triplets were born, James immediately assumed the role of their father. He was a perfect dad, and they loved him. And he was the perfect man, who helped me heal and loved me in a way so tender I could have never imagined.
He was the reason why I decided to pursue a career in fashion design and why I was one of the best in my field.
I had to hide my identity because of who we do not mention, so no one knew who was behind the brand.
My life has been perfect, and as the triplets ran into James hands, I knew all that happened happened so I could be this happy. With James and my beautiful kids.
"Here are your lunches," I handed them a plate one by one.
"Thank you mummy." Rachel, the most outspoken one beamed, and her more shy brother turned red and whispered a silent thank you. Nikki blew me a cute kiss and they all went to eat, leaving me and James to talk.
They had no idea they were wolves, and I had no idea how to tell them. But James made me promise I would.
"Tonight is the award night, Brielle." James said softly and I sighed.
My brand earned an award for fashion designer of the year, but it was a big deal. I didn't want to attend because of I had to hide, and despite James telling me they can't find us, I didn't want to risk it.
I changed my hair color, wore contacts and changed my name, but I doubted if that would help.
"You know, if you weren't safe here, five years is too much time for them not to find you."
I sighed again, picking at my food. He wasn't wrong. Chances that he has forgotten about me and made Lydia his queen.
"I know." I muttered, letting out a sigh.
James smiled softly and tenderly placed a hand on mine. "Tell you what? I'll make sure you are protected at all times. A million guards would come with us and we would be out of there in seconds. I know how much this award means to you."
I sighed, fighting an internal war. "But my kids mean a lot too."
James took my hand from across the counter. "I know. And I promise nothing would happen."
He placed a kiss on my hand and I smiled. James had never let me down before. And he was sure we were going to be safe.
So I nodded, smiling. "Then let's go collect my award."