17. Chapter 17

Chapter 17

-Jared-

I rose much earlier than Alison, heading downstairs for a workout session. Despite holding her in my arms, the impending task at hand left me restless. To ease my nerves, I embarked on a run before preparing a meal for Alison.

Upon entering her room, I found her sitting up, taking in her surroundings. Though modest, it lacked the eerie ambiance of Vince's place. Her face lit up as she saw me, and I approached with the food.

"Are you in any pain?" I inquired, concern evident in my voice.

"A little," she admitted.

I fetched some painkillers and settled on the edge of the bed, offering them to her along with a few extras for later. As she ate, her gaze lingered on me, and she reached out to touch my wet skin.

"God, you're sweaty. What have you been doing?" she quipped.

"Working out. I have extra energy to burn while you rest," I teased, earning an eye roll from her.

"You need a shower."

"What? I thought you liked me sweaty," I countered playfully, leaning closer to her.

She recoiled, but laughter escaped her lips. "No, stay back! I can't go anywhere if you make me all sweaty too. I can't wash myself," she chuckled.

Ignoring her protest, I pressed my sweaty face against her neck, eliciting a groan of defeat. Pulling back, I found her sulking like a child, a sight I savored before brushing her lips with mine, feeling her tremble beneath my touch. She was gradually returning to me, and I vowed not to lose her again.

Pulling away, I denied her the deep kiss, much to her discontent. She finished her meal and sipped her water more slowly this time, settling into a quieter rhythm.

"So, what are your plans for today? I can't imagine you can lie in bed with me all day," Alison pointed out.

"No, I have a lot of searching to do. Astrid will need my help to remove her father and Finn," I explained.

"And... Vince?" Alison asked cautiously.

"So far, no clue. But I wonder once I get my hands on the last wolves, it might change. I hope Henrick knows something," I revealed.

"Or?" Alison prompted.

"Or else I know how to draw him out," I said, turning to meet her eyes.

"How?"

"You," I replied.

"Me?" she exclaimed, clearly taken aback.

"Once he knows I have you again and have not followed his orders, he will want to emerge and ensure I follow his directions," I explained.

"You're going to use me as bait?" she accused, her tone tinged with concern.

"I'm not going to string you up in a tree, waiting for him to come collecting you. I will merely let rumors reach him, but you're not leaving me again," I reassured her firmly.

Alison seemed skeptical, but I had other plans in mind as my primary approach. Nevertheless, having a backup plan never hurt.

"Sorry? Did you not want a peaceful life with me?" I inquired, seeking clarification.

"Yes," she replied somewhat reluctantly. "Though with you, I can't imagine it will ever be peaceful," she quipped, eliciting a smile from me.

"Most likely not, but I would rather not have a dangling threat hanging above our heads. Vince is not one to be underestimated, and I need him out of the way if I am to ever be free," I explained.

"Very well, I understand. So will you be working with Astrid today?"

"Yes," I confirmed.

Alison's obvious sour expression betrayed a hint of jealousy, which I couldn't help but relish. Her angry sip of water, the ring glistening on her finger, only added to the satisfaction.

"Alison, I haven't touched her," I promised. "Not since before you were even taken."

"You're still married to the woman," she pointed out.

"It's just a piece of paper. There are many married couples who won't even be near each other, despite being married," I countered.

"But does this mean..." Alison trailed off, her uncertainty obvious.

"Does this mean what?" I pressed, intrigued by her sudden hesitation.

"Never mind. It's not important," she dismissed.

"No, say it. Obviously, it must have been something if you were going to ask."

"But then I changed my mind."

"Alison, just voice your concerns. We know I will figure it out eventually," I reminded her, sensing her internal struggle.

After a deep sigh, she braced herself. "Does this mean... we will never be able to marry?" she inquired, her vulnerability laid bare.

I was taken aback by her question. The ring on her finger should have been assurance enough, but her inquiry caught me off guard. Before I could even process her words, she shook her head.

"But I changed my mind about the question," she said.

"Why?" I asked, curious about her sudden shift.

"Because it doesn't matter," she asserted. "You might have given me this ring, but it's not a promise of anything, and why should you marry me? I'm yours nonetheless."

"You are," I agreed, acknowledging the depth of our connection.

"It was a stupid thought. Let's forget about it," she insisted.

I nodded slightly, but her question lingered in my mind. Despite our conversation moving on, I found myself contemplating it. However, duty called, and I had to prepare for work. After showering and dressing, I left Alison alone in the room, locking the door behind me.