The air around the packhouse crackled with tension as the wolves prepared for what was to come. Ian had called an emergency meeting, and the pack had gathered in the main hall. The room was filled with the low murmur of voices, a mixture of fear and anticipation. Jerome stood off to the side, her arms wrapped around herself as she watched the wolves move with purpose.
Ian stood at the front of the room, his presence commanding as he gave orders to the pack. His voice was calm, steady, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. He was preparing for battle, and everyone in the room knew what that meant.
Kael was at Ian's side, his expression grim as he relayed the scout's report. "Kieran's been seen moving with his pack. They're keeping to the shadows for now, but it's clear they're planning something."
Ian nodded, his jaw clenched. "We can't let them get the upper hand," he said, his eyes narrowing with determination. "We strike first. We end this before it begins."
The pack murmured in agreement, their loyalty to Ian unwavering. They would follow him into battle without question, just as they always had. But the weight of what was coming hung heavy in the air, and Jerome could feel it pressing down on her like a storm about to break.
Her heart raced as she watched Ian, her mind spinning with worry. Kieran was dangerous, and Jerome had seen firsthand how far he was willing to go. The memory of that brutal fight flashed in her mind—the way Kieran had attacked Ian with a savage fury, the blood, the violence. It was something she wouldn't forget, and now they were heading into another confrontation.
Jerome's stomach churned with fear. She knew Ian was strong, capable of holding his own, but the thought of him facing Kieran again filled her with dread. What if something happened to him? What if he didn't come back?
Before she could dwell on those thoughts any longer, Ian's gaze found hers across the room. His expression softened for a brief moment, and he gave her a small nod, as if silently reassuring her that everything would be okay. But Jerome wasn't so sure.
Kael approached Jerome then, his usual serious expression in place. "You should stay here," he said quietly, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "It's safer."
Jerome bristled at the suggestion. She hated being treated like she was fragile, like she couldn't handle herself. But deep down, she knew Kael was right. She wasn't a wolf, wasn't built for the kind of violence that was coming. She would only be a liability out there.
"I'll stay," she said reluctantly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kael nodded in approval before turning back to Ian. "We'll be ready within the hour," he reported, his voice steady.
Ian gave him a curt nod before addressing the rest of the pack. "Everyone knows their roles. We move quickly, strike hard, and we don't stop until Kieran is dealt with."
The pack responded with a unified growl of agreement, their eyes glowing with a mix of anger and determination. They were ready for the fight, eager to defend their home and their Alpha.
As the pack began to disperse, Ian made his way over to Jerome, his intense gaze locking onto hers. He stopped in front of her, reaching out to take her hand in his. His grip was firm, grounding, but there was a softness in his eyes that told her this moment wasn't easy for him either.
"I need you to stay here," Ian said, his voice low but filled with authority. "I don't want you anywhere near this fight."
Jerome bit her lip, nodding even though her heart screamed in protest. She didn't want to be left behind, didn't want to sit helplessly while Ian went out to face danger. But she knew there was no convincing him otherwise.
"I'll be here," she whispered, her voice shaky. "Just… promise me you'll come back."
Ian's jaw tightened, and for a moment, the fierceness in his eyes faltered. He cupped her face with one hand, his thumb brushing gently over her cheek. "I'll come back to you," he promised, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. "I always will."
Jerome's chest tightened at his words, and she leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth of his hand against her skin. She wanted to believe him, to trust that everything would be okay. But the fear gnawed at her, a constant reminder of the danger lurking just beyond the packhouse walls.
Before she could say anything else, Ian leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a moment longer than necessary. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, his body tense with the weight of what was to come.
Jerome watched him go, her heart heavy as the door closed behind him. The room felt colder, emptier without him there. And for the first time since she had met Ian, Jerome felt truly afraid.
She turned back toward the window, staring out at the darkening sky. The sun was setting, casting a blood-red hue across the horizon. It felt ominous, like a warning of the violence to come.
The pack was preparing for war, and Jerome could only hope that Ian would return to her once it was over.
To be continued...