The days following the battle passed in a haze. The pack worked tirelessly to clean up the aftermath, burying their dead, tending to the injured, and fortifying their defenses. Ian was at the center of it all, leading the efforts with an unyielding determination. His injuries, though severe, didn't seem to slow him down. It was as if the weight of the pack's survival drove him forward, pushing through the pain.
Jerome found herself feeling like an outsider among the wolves. Though no one treated her poorly, she couldn't help but feel out of place. She wasn't one of them, no matter how much Ian reassured her. She was human in a world of predators, fragile in a world where strength and power ruled.
She spent most of her time in the packhouse, watching from a distance as the wolves went about their duties. Kael had insisted that she stay inside while tensions remained high, though he hadn't needed to. Jerome had no desire to venture out into the forest, not after everything that had happened.
Ian checked on her whenever he could, but his time was stretched thin. He was the Alpha, and the pack relied on him more than ever. Jerome understood that, but it didn't make the loneliness any easier to bear.
On the third day after the battle, Ian came to her room just as the sun was setting. He looked exhausted, his usually sharp features softened by fatigue. But even in his weariness, there was an intensity in his eyes that made Jerome's heart race.
"Ian," Jerome greeted softly as he entered the room. She had been sitting by the window, staring out at the fading light.
Ian crossed the room in a few strides, pulling her into his arms before she could say anything else. His embrace was tight, almost desperate, as if he needed to feel her against him to know she was still there.
"Are you okay?" Jerome asked, her voice muffled against his chest.
Ian let out a low sigh, his grip on her tightening for a moment before he finally pulled back to look at her. "I am now," he murmured, his thumb brushing gently over her cheek.
Jerome's heart fluttered at the tenderness in his touch, but there was a heaviness in his eyes that she couldn't ignore. "What's wrong?" she asked, searching his gaze.
Ian hesitated for a moment before answering, his voice low. "We haven't heard from Kieran since the battle. But I know him. He won't stay quiet for long."
Jerome's stomach twisted at the mention of Kieran. The memory of the fight, the blood, and the hatred in Kieran's eyes came rushing back. "Do you think he'll try to come back?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ian's jaw clenched, and he nodded. "He's too proud to let this go. He'll come back, and when he does…" Ian's eyes darkened with the promise of violence. "I'll be ready."
Jerome shivered at the coldness in his tone. She knew Ian would do whatever it took to protect the pack, to protect her. But she also knew how dangerous Kieran was. And the thought of another confrontation, of Ian getting hurt again, filled her with dread.
"I don't want you to get hurt," Jerome said quietly, her hand resting against Ian's chest. She could feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her palm, a reminder of his strength and vitality. But even that wasn't enough to quell her fear.
Ian's gaze softened as he looked down at her, his hand coming up to cup the back of her neck. "I won't let anything happen to you, Jerome," he promised, his voice a low growl. "Not while I'm still breathing."
Jerome swallowed, the intensity of his words sending a shiver down her spine. She knew Ian would fight to his last breath to protect her, but that was what scared her the most. She didn't want to be the reason he risked his life.
"I'm not worried about me," Jerome whispered, her eyes searching his. "I'm worried about you."
Ian's expression shifted, a flicker of surprise passing through his eyes before he leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers. "I'm not going anywhere," he said softly, his breath warm against her skin. "You're stuck with me, whether you like it or not."
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Jerome couldn't help but smile at his words. "Who said I didn't like it?" she teased, her voice softening.
Ian's lips curved into a small, almost reluctant smile, and he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her. For a moment, the world outside faded away, and it was just the two of them. The danger, the threats, the uncertainty—they were still there, lurking on the horizon. But in that moment, with Ian's arms around her, Jerome felt safe.
But the peace between them didn't last. A sharp knock at the door shattered the quiet, and Ian immediately tensed. He pulled away from Jerome, his expression hardening as Kael stepped into the room.
"Ian," Kael said, his tone urgent. "We've got news."
Jerome's heart sank as Ian turned to face Kael, his body already bristling with the anticipation of battle. "What is it?" Ian asked, his voice calm but filled with a deadly edge.
Kael glanced at Jerome, then back at Ian. "One of our scouts spotted movement in the western woods. It's Kieran."
Ian's eyes flashed with fury, and Jerome felt a cold knot of fear twist in her stomach. The confrontation they had been dreading was about to begin.
"Get the pack ready," Ian ordered, his voice low and dangerous. "This ends tonight."
To be continued...