Jerome couldn't tear her eyes away from the window. The wolf stood motionless at the edge of the forest, its dark form blending with the shadows of the trees. Every instinct told her to back away, to retreat to the safety of the house, but she found herself rooted in place, heart thundering in her chest.
What did it want? Why was it always there, watching her?
As she stared, something in the wolf's gaze changed. It was as if it was trying to communicate with her, trying to pull her closer. A strange, almost magnetic sensation tugged at her, urging her to step outside, to follow the wolf into the forest. She shook her head, trying to dispel the feeling, but it was strong, stronger than her will to resist.
"No," she whispered to herself, taking a shaky step back from the window. "I can't…"
But the pull was relentless.
Jerome turned away, heart pounding as she forced herself to move into the kitchen, away from the window and the wolf's unsettling gaze. She needed to distract herself, to stay grounded, but her mind kept drifting back to the creature lurking just outside the house. It wasn't like any ordinary wolf. There was something supernatural about it—something that made it feel more like a threat than a mere animal.
As she paced around the room, her thoughts spiraling, the sound of the front door creaking open made her freeze. She spun around, fear gripping her, but it was only Ian, stepping inside with a heavy scowl on his face. He shut the door behind him, locking it with a sharp click.
"Did you see it again?" he asked without preamble, his voice tense.
Jerome nodded, wrapping her arms around herself as if to ward off the lingering chill. "It was out there, just watching. It didn't move, but it felt like… like it was trying to draw me out."
Ian's jaw tightened, and he crossed the room in long strides, pulling her into his arms. The strength of his embrace was both comforting and suffocating. "It's trying to get to you. I can feel its presence—stronger now than before."
Jerome rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. "What does it want? Why is it always there, just waiting?"
Ian's grip on her tightened. "It's a messenger. A sign that the rival alphas are closing in. They know about you, Jerome. They know you're mine, and they want to take you from me. But I won't let that happen."
Jerome's breath hitched. The thought of being caught in a battle between Ian and other alphas was terrifying. She had never asked to be a part of this world, to be drawn into its dangerous power dynamics. But now, it seemed she had no choice.
"Ian," she murmured, pulling back slightly to look up at him. "What if they're stronger than you? What if—"
"They're not," he interrupted, his voice firm, his eyes blazing with determination. "No one is stronger than me. And I'll prove it to anyone who dares challenge me for you."
There was a dark promise in his words, a possessiveness that made Jerome shiver. She knew Ian would go to any lengths to protect her, but his obsession was becoming dangerous, consuming everything in its path.
"I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me," she whispered, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "This isn't what I wanted."
Ian cupped her face in his hands, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race. "You belong to me, Jerome. That's all that matters. No one else. Just us."
Jerome swallowed hard, her emotions swirling in a confusing mix of fear, desire, and helplessness. She didn't know how to break free from the hold Ian had over her—didn't even know if she wanted to. Despite everything, a part of her was drawn to him, to the darkness that surrounded him. It was intoxicating and terrifying all at once.
"Ian…" she began, but before she could say more, the sound of a howl echoed through the forest, loud and close.
Ian's eyes darkened, his expression hardening. "They're here."
Jerome's blood ran cold. The rival alphas. The wolves that had been circling them, waiting for the right moment to strike, were no longer content to stay hidden. They were coming for her. For Ian.
Without another word, Ian released her and strode toward the door. He didn't have to say anything—Jerome knew what he was going to do.
"Stay here," he ordered, his voice like steel. "Lock the doors. Don't leave, no matter what happens."
Before she could protest, he was gone, the door slamming shut behind him.
Jerome stood frozen in the middle of the room, her heart racing as the sounds of howls grew louder outside. She knew she should listen to Ian, but the pull to follow him, to be by his side, was overwhelming.
She took a step toward the door, torn between fear and loyalty.
The night was alive with danger, and Jerome knew that whatever happened next would change everything.
To be continued...