The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the room where Ian lay resting. Jerome sat beside him, her hand gently resting on his arm. The tension in his body had eased overnight, but the sight of his wounds still left a hollow ache in her chest. Despite everything, Ian was alive—and for that, she was grateful.
His breathing had steadied, and the harshness that had gripped him after the battle had softened in sleep. Jerome watched him, her heart heavy with everything that had transpired. The fight with Kieran, the blood, the fear—it was all still fresh in her mind, but at least for now, they had peace.
As her eyes traced over Ian's features, a sense of vulnerability settled over her. He was always so strong, so unyielding. But seeing him like this—wounded, tired, and unguarded—reminded her that even Alphas could break.
Jerome's thoughts were interrupted when Ian stirred beside her. His eyes fluttered open, the deep blue of his irises still clouded with exhaustion. He blinked a few times, as if trying to focus, before his gaze finally settled on her.
"You're still here," he muttered, his voice rough with sleep.
Jerome smiled faintly, her hand brushing his arm. "I told you I wasn't going anywhere."
Ian shifted slightly, wincing as the movement pulled at his injuries. "I don't want you to see me like this," he said quietly, his eyes avoiding hers. "Weak."
Jerome frowned, shaking her head. "You're not weak, Ian," she replied firmly. "You fought for your pack, for me. That's not weakness. You're still the strongest person I know."
Ian's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue. Instead, he closed his eyes again, letting out a long sigh. "I should've ended Kieran sooner," he said, his voice low and filled with frustration. "I let it drag out. I put everyone at risk."
Jerome's heart twisted at his words. She could see the weight of leadership pressing down on him, the guilt and responsibility that came with being Alpha. But she wasn't going to let him carry that burden alone.
"You did what you had to do," she whispered, her fingers gently tracing the bandages on his arm. "You saved us. The pack is safe because of you."
Ian didn't respond immediately, but his expression softened, the hard lines of his face relaxing just slightly. Jerome knew how much he hated being vulnerable, how much he despised showing any sign of weakness. But in this moment, she needed him to know that he didn't have to be strong all the time—not with her.
"I don't deserve you," he murmured, his voice barely audible.
Jerome's heart skipped a beat at his words. She leaned closer, her hand moving to cup his cheek. "Don't say that," she whispered. "You've done so much for me, Ian. You've protected me, cared for me. I—" She paused, her throat tightening as emotions welled up inside her. "I don't know what I would do without you."
Ian's eyes opened again, and this time, they were filled with something deeper—something raw and unspoken. He reached up, his fingers brushing against hers where they rested on his cheek. "You'll never have to find out," he said softly. "I'll always be here, Jerome. I won't let anything happen to you."
The intensity of his gaze made Jerome's breath catch. There was a promise in his words, a fierce determination that left no room for doubt. She knew he meant it—he would fight for her, protect her, no matter the cost. But that same determination also scared her, because she could see the darkness it came with. Ian's obsession with her was growing, and while it brought her comfort, it also unsettled her.
She leaned down, pressing her forehead gently against his. "Just promise me you'll take care of yourself too," she whispered. "I can't lose you, Ian."
For a moment, the room was filled with nothing but the sound of their breathing, the soft rhythm of their hearts beating in unison. Ian's hand came up to rest on the back of her neck, pulling her closer. "I promise," he whispered, his voice rough but sincere. "For you, I'll try."
They stayed like that for a long time, wrapped in the quiet intimacy of the moment. Jerome could feel the bond between them growing stronger, the invisible thread that tied them together pulling tighter with each passing day. She didn't know where this path would lead them, but for now, she was willing to follow it—willing to stay by Ian's side, no matter how dark things became.
Eventually, Ian's grip on her loosened as exhaustion claimed him once more. His eyes drifted shut, his breathing evening out as he slipped back into sleep. Jerome stayed by his side, watching over him as the morning light continued to fill the room.
But even as the peacefulness of the moment surrounded them, Jerome couldn't shake the unease that lingered in the back of her mind. Kieran was gone, but the dangers weren't over. There were still threats lurking in the shadows, and Jerome had a feeling that this was only the beginning of the trials they would face.
For now, though, she allowed herself to find comfort in the warmth of Ian's presence, in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingers.
They had survived another battle. But Jerome knew that the real war was far from over.
To be continued...