LORRY SPRINGSTONE'S / KELLY THOMPSON'S POV
As Jason's beta drags me towards the trees, I catch glimpses of the brutal battle unfolding behind us. Jason and Harry are locked in a vicious struggle, their massive wolf forms snarling and snapping at each other. Around them, warriors from both packs clash in a chaotic melee.
Despite being outnumbered, Jason and his men fight with incredible ferocity. I watch in awe as Jason moves with lightning speed, his powerful jaws clamping down on Harry's shoulder. The younger alpha howls in pain but manages to break free, blood matting his fur.
The sight of Jason fighting so fiercely, risking everything to protect me and bring me home, stirs something deep within me. For a moment, I forget all the pain and anger of the past six years. In this moment, I see the man I fell in love with - strong, determined, and fiercely protective.
The battle rages on, with Jason and his warriors slowly gaining the upper hand despite being outnumbered. Jason's strength and skill as an Alpha are on full display as he fends off attacks from multiple opponents while still focusing on Harry.
I watch in a mixture of awe and horror as Jason's powerful jaws clamp down on Harry's leg, eliciting a pained howl from the younger alpha. With a vicious shake of his head, Jason throws Harry to the ground. The North Pack heir struggles to get back up, his injured leg buckling beneath him.
Seeing their leader falter, the North Pack warriors begin to lose heart. Jason seizes the opportunity, letting out a thunderous roar that seems to shake the very trees around us. The sound reverberates through the clearing, a clear declaration of dominance and victory.
One by one, the North Pack warriors begin to retreat, dragging their wounded comrades.
With a final snarl, Harry limps away, his tail tucked between his legs in defeat. Jason stands tall, his massive wolf form silhouetted against the setting sun. His fur is matted with blood - both his own and his enemies' - but he radiates an aura of power and triumph.
As the last of the North Pack warriors disappear into the forest, Jason shifts back to his human form. He's breathing heavily, covered in cuts and bruises, but his eyes are blazing with righteous fury as he surveys the aftermath of the battle.
"Is everyone alright?" he calls out to his men, who are also shifting back.
There are various grunts and nods of assent. While there are injuries, it seems no one from the South Pack has been seriously wounded or killed. Jason's superior fighting skills and leadership have carried the day.
His gaze then locks onto me, still standing at the edge of the clearing with his beta. For a moment, neither of us moves or speaks. The air between us is charged with unspoken emotions and years of hurt and longing.
Finally, Jason strides towards me, his face a mixture of relief and wariness. As he gets closer, I can see the toll the battle has taken on him - fresh cuts marring his skin, bruises already forming. But his eyes are clear and focused as they meet mine.
"Are you alright?" he asks gruffly, his voice hoarse from the fight.
I nod, unable to find my voice. Up close, the familiar scent of him - pine and earth and something uniquely Jason - washes over me, bringing back a flood of memories.
"Fine then," Jason says, then turns to address his warriors. "We need to move quickly. The North Pack may regroup and come after us again. Let's get back to our territory."
He issues swift orders, organizing the warriors to carry the wounded and keep watch for any signs of pursuit. Throughout it all, his eyes keep darting back to me, as if making sure I'm still there.
As we begin our journey back to South Pack lands, Jason falls into step beside me. For a while, we walk in tense silence, the weight of our shared history and all that's happened hanging heavy between us.
Finally, Jason speaks, his voice low. "I'm sorry it came to this, Kelly. I never wanted to put you in danger."
I glance at him, surprised by the apology. "You came for me," I say softly. "Even after everything... thank you."
He nods curtly, his jaw clenched tight. For a moment, I think he might say more, but he remains silent as we continue our trek through the forest.
As we walk, I can't help but study him out of the corner of my eye. Six years have passed, but Jason still carries himself with the same regal bearing, the same quiet strength. New lines around his eyes and mouth speak to the weight of leadership he's carried in my absence.
My mind races with questions. Why did he come for me? What does he know about Eden's condition? And most pressingly - what will happen now that I'm back in South Pack territory?
As if sensing my unease, Jason finally breaks the silence.
"Kelly," he says, his voice low and controlled. "We have much to discuss, but this isn't the time or place. For now, know that you're under my protection. No harm will happen to you again." He assured.
"However, I have to tell you something and it's about our son Eden. Since the cave incident with the bear, his health condition has worsened. Given that you've not showed up again for his medication, he has been believing that you might have succumbed to your wounds. I tried to assure him that you were fine but he never believed me. Because of this, his mental health has seriously deteriorated. He's having more nightmares than before and refuses to eat." The Alpha King Jason Bentley added, his tone filled with gravity.
My heart clenches at Jason's words about Eden. Guilt and fear wash over me as I imagine my sweet boy suffering, believing I had died.
"Oh god," I whisper, my voice breaking. "I never meant for this to happen. I thought...I thought I was protecting him by leaving."
Jason's jaw tightens, but his voice remains calm as he replies, "We both made mistakes, Kelly. But right now, Eden needs you. He needs his mother."
I nod, fighting back tears. "Of course. I'll do whatever it takes to help him. But Jason...there's something you need to know about his condition."