“There’s more that we can do to help you,” I offer, reaching out to gently squeeze her thigh, a silent reassurance of our support.
She tilts her head, her gaze shifting from one face to another, searching, pleading for understanding. “By being at my side, you always help me. I borrow your strength by leaning on you when I feel weak. Well, when I am emotionally or physically weak. Let’s face it, I am no warrior.”
“You are a warrior...” Griffin’s voice reverberates, his roar echoing through the air, and I notice the tension in his fists, the sinews straining against his skin. He strides forward, bridging the gap between himself and Grace, his gaze momentarily drawn to their son nestled against her.
Grace’s eyes flit from their child to Griffin, a determined glint shimmering within them. “I will defend our children, and those yet to come,” she declares, a fierce determination igniting her features. A primal grin dances on her lips, casting shadows that hint at the untamed spirit lurking beneath.
As I observe Grace’s transformation, a shiver courses down my spine, her visage sharpening like that of a predator poised to strike. “We understand, Gracie,” I murmur, attempting to quell the smoldering rage simmering beneath her surface.
Grace’s gaze shifts to Ethan, a silent exchange passing between them before she entrusts her son to Griffin’s arms and departs with Ethan. The air is heavy with unspoken questions as Lorcan, his milky eyes searching, seeks answers amidst the haze.
“Grace left with Ethan,” I explain, my voice laden with the weight of truth. “She’s... too feral to be around everyone.” It’s a bitter realization, watching them depart. Yet, in Ethan, there lies a rare solace, a singular presence capable of tempering the tempest within her. Sometimes, the truth is a harsh companion. “Sometimes he’s the only one that can calm and settle her.”
I gently rest my hand on Lorcan’s shoulder, feeling the tension beneath my touch. “It takes time to get used to it. If we ever get used to it,” I murmur, my voice carrying the weight of experience and empathy.
As I speak, I notice the subtle flicker of emotions crossing Lorcan’s face, his eyes reflecting a mix of confusion and curiosity. “It just simply is,” I add softly, my words hanging in the air like delicate wisps of smoke.
I watch as the realization dawns on Lorcan’s features, his brow furrowing in contemplation. “So she has part of him in her at all times?” he asks, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty, his head tilting inquisitively.
With a gentle nod, I affirm his question, the visual image of the bond between the wolf and its recipient playing out vividly in my mind. “His wolf cleaved part of itself off to give her a wolf, a second chance,” I explain, the words slipping from my lips with a poignant tenderness.
“Come on, let’s go inside,” I whisper, my voice tinged with anticipation as I slide off the swing, the cool metal leaving a faint imprint on my skin. I stride towards the door, the evening breeze tousling my hair gently as I reach out to open it for everyone.
They hesitate, their expressions betraying a mix of reluctance and curiosity, as if they’re uncertain of what awaits them beyond the threshold. It takes them several minutes before they finally turn, their footsteps echoing softly as they follow me inside.
As we step into the dimly lit kitchen, the air carries a faint scent of old memories and unresolved tensions. Griffin and Barrett are seated at the worn wooden table, their faces etched with a mixture of concern and understanding, their presence a testament to the intricate bonds that tie us together.
Lorcan and Nicolai stand a few paces away, their expressions guarded yet heavy with the weight of their shared history. The sire bond between Ethan and Grace hangs palpably in the air, like an invisible thread that binds them together, creator and created, a connection forged in blood long ago but now strained by the passage of time.
Despite the years that have passed, the tether between them remains, a silent reminder of the complexities of their relationship. And as I watch them, I can’t help but wonder what lies ahead for all of us, caught in the web of fate and destiny.
Chapter 16
Grace
-Anarchy- Lilith Czar-
Weeks have passed, and the training of the new Alpha is going to plan. As I traverse back and forth across the pack lands, a weary weight settles upon my shoulders, each step heavier than the last. The landscape shifts around me, a blur of greens and browns, as if mirroring the whirlwind of emotions swirling within.
My heart aches with a bittersweet pride as I watch my children, their forms growing stronger with each passing day. They shift effortlessly, embodying the wild grace of their lineage. Yet, their rapid growth only serves to stress the fleeting passage of time, a reminder of their vulnerability in this harsh world.
The absence of my erratic ex-lover and the treacherous elder casts a shadow over my thoughts, a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking beyond our borders. Dread tightens its grip around my heart, twisting like a vengeful serpent, as I imagine the havoc they could wreak if left unchecked.
But amidst the turmoil, my mates stand steadfast by my side, their presence a beacon of solace in the darkness. They take turns watching over me and our offspring, their unwavering devotion a shield against the encroaching storm.
Yet, deep within the recesses of my soul, a primal force stirs restlessly. The monster within me, with its feral hunger and savage desires, threatens to break free from its chains. My wolf, fueled by a thirst for justice and retribution, yearns to unleash its wrath upon those who have wronged us.
Ethan, with his keen perception, senses the internal struggle raging within me. Ever since the completion of my bond with Lorcan, the primal urges have surged forth with an unstoppable force. The instinct to protect my pack, my pups, and my mates battles fiercely against the savage longing for vengeance.
But for now, I must tread carefully upon this precarious tightrope between duty and desire, lest I lose myself to the primal darkness lurking within.
Conrad’s voice, a gentle melody in the air, pulls my attention away from the book I’m reading. “Grace?” he calls softly, his tone carrying a mix of warmth and concern. I lift my gaze, meeting his eyes, and slowly pivot towards him, the pages of the book whispering softly as I set it aside.
“Yes?” My response is soft, almost tentative, as I close the distance between us. His arms envelop me in a comforting embrace, and I melt into his touch, feeling the strength of his presence grounding me. Nestling closer, I bury my face into the curve of his neck, inhaling his familiar scent, a blend of cedar wood and rain.
I rest my head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my ear. Each thud resonates through me, a comforting lullaby that soothes the restlessness within. With my eyes closed, I lose myself in the symphony of his heartbeat, letting it drown out the worries and doubts that linger at the edges of my mind.
Conrad’s lips brush against my temple, sending a shiver down my spine as his words pull me back to the present. “Ambrose is coming to visit today. He’s bringing the items you asked for,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin.