Chapter 24

24

HOME SWEET HOME

Octavia

A warm golden light that dances through the sheer curtains at the window, illuminating the room where I lay nestled against Wyatt. My eyelids flutter open, and I’m met with the sight of his emerald gaze, intense and unwavering, filled with a tenderness that makes my heart swell. “You’re safe now, mate,” he whispers, and his voice wraps around me like a soothing balm, washing away the remnants of fear that had clung to me what felt like moments ago.

The mate bond surges to life within me, a powerful force that ignites an all-consuming warmth, chasing away the shadows that had threatened to tear us apart. I can feel it weaving our souls together, stitching up the wounds inflicted by the chaos of the last few days. “Wyatt,” I breathe, reaching for him, and in an instant, he is there, our lips crashing together in a passionate embrace. His kiss is my sanctuary, a promise that everything will be alright.

But as I pull back, a small grimace crosses my face. The split on my lip stings, a reminder of the ordeal I’ve just survived. We are whole again, two souls intertwined in a bond that can never be broken, yet the echoes of pain linger like shadows in the corners of my mind.

“I’ll never let you out of my sight again,” he vows, his voice fierce, laced with determination. “You’re too precious to lose, Octavia.” His words wrap around me like a protective shield, and in that moment, I know I have found my home in his arms, in the heart of the Waterton Pack, where love and loyalty always triumph over darkness.

As I settle into the warmth of his embrace, I become aware of the familiar scents enveloping me — Wyatt's musky pine mixed with the sweet, cherry notes from me and earthy smell of the woods surrounding the pack. It soothes my soul, quiets the restless wolf inside me. I realize we are in our shared bed, the soft fabric of the sheets cradling us, and for the first time in what feels like an eternity, I allow myself to relax.

“Wyatt,” I murmur, my voice barely a whisper. “What happened to the stab wound on my thigh? Did the healers look at all my injuries while I was out?”

He shifts slightly, propping himself up on one elbow, concern etched across his handsome features. “You didn’t heal like normal,” he explains, his voice low and steady. “The metal part of the blade was rubbed down with wolfsbane. It’s a potent poison for our kind.” He pauses, the weight of his words sinking in. “You scared me all over again, Octavia. My wolf couldn’t reach you in your mind.”

I reach up, kissing his jaw softly, feeling the warmth of his skin under my lips. I can’t help but soothe him; it’s instinctual, a part of the bond we share. My hand glides over his firm abdomen, feeling the ripple of muscles beneath my fingertips. Wyatt’s wolf lets out a purr, a sound that vibrates through him and resonates within me, making me smile despite the circumstances.

“Can I have some food, mate?” I ask, my stomach growling softly, reminding me that I haven't eaten in what feels like days.

“Of course,” he replies, gently moving me aside so he can reach the nightstand. I watch as he retrieves a small stash of snacks and two glasses of water. “Go slow,” he cautions, his brow furrowed with concern.

I take a handful of nuts and dried fruit, munching on them as I savor the simple pleasure of eating. “My parents—” he begins, then hesitates, as if searching for the right words. “They want to see you when you’re feeling up to it. Dalton and Harrison both miss you.”

A warmth spreads through me at the thought of his family. They welcomed me into their lives despite the chaos that surrounded us. “I’d love to see them,” I reply, my voice muffled as I chew. “They’ve been so kind to me.”

Wyatt watches me with a smile, his eyes softening. “Oh, and your cellphone has been going crazy with texts and calls from someone named Poppy.”

A smile breaks across my face at the mention of my friend. “Poppy!” I exclaim, the name rolling off my tongue like a sweet melody. “She’s a good friend I worked with at the diner. I mentioned her before. I’ll call her after I visit with the others.” I can only imagine the amount of concern she must be feeling, but the thought of reconnecting with her after everything brings a lightness to my heart. The last time we talked she was convincing me to give Wyatt a chance to explain everything going on with Rachel.

Just as I finish chewing, a gentle knock interrupts our conversation. My heart skips a beat, uncertainty creeping in. “Who is it?” Wyatt calls out, tension lacing his tone.

“It’s me, Dalton,” a deep voice replies from the other side of the door. “Can I come in?”

Wyatt glances at me, his expression shifting from protective to open. “Yeah, come in.”

The door swings open, revealing Dalton, his tall frame filling the doorway. His blonde hair is tousled, and there’s a hint of worry etched on his face. “Octavia,” he says, stepping inside, his gaze landing on me with a mixture of relief and concern. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay,” I assure him, though I know it’s only partially true. “Just a little sore.”

Dalton’s eyes flicker to Wyatt, who is still hovering protectively by my side. “I’m glad to hear that. We were all worried about you.” He takes a seat at the edge of the bed, his demeanor shifting to that of a supportive older brother. “The healers are keeping an eye on you, but I wanted to check in myself.”

“Thank you, Dalton,” I say softly. “I appreciate it.”

He nods, his gaze warm. “Wyatt has been on edge since you got hurt. You know how he is when it comes to protecting what belongs to him.” There’s an unspoken understanding between them, a bond that transcends words. I can see the respect they hold for each other, forged through years of shared experiences and challenges.

Wyatt shifts slightly, brushing his fingers against mine, grounding me in the moment. “I won’t let anything happen to her again,” he states firmly, his voice low but filled with conviction. “I promise.”

Dalton nods, a knowing look passing between them. “I know you won’t, Bro. Just remember, Octavia is part of our pack now. We protect our own.” His gaze returns to me, full of warmth and acceptance. “And we’re here for you, no matter what.”

A swell of gratitude fills me. I’ve never felt this sense of belonging before, and even amidst the chaos that had enveloped us, I can’t help but feel hopeful. “What’s next?” I ask, curiosity piquing within me. “What do I need to know about being part of the Waterton Pack?”

Dalton chuckles softly, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Well, for starters, we have pack meetings every week. It’s a chance for everyone to come together, share news, and strengthen our bonds as a pack. And then there are the training sessions?—”

“Training?” I interrupt, a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling within me. “What kind of training?”

“Everything,” Dalton replies, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Combat training, agility, and learning how to control your wolf. It’s essential for every member of the pack. We want you to be strong and confident in your abilities.”

Wyatt’s hand squeezes mine, and I can feel the encouragement radiating from him. “You’ll be great, gorgeous. We’ll be by your side every step of the way.”

I smile, feeling a rush of determination. “I want to be strong. I want to protect what’s mine.” The words flow from my lips, fueled by the fierce love I feel for Wyatt and the newfound bond I have with the pack. Wyatt’s eyes flash for a brief moment with his wolf at my possessive words.

The door creaks open again, this time revealing Harrison. His presence always has a warmth surrounding him. “I heard you were awake, Octavia,” he says, his voice deep and rich, reminiscent of the earth itself. “It’s good to see you up.”

“Thank you for checking on me, Harrison,” I reply, a smile tugging at my lips. “I’m grateful for you and Dalton coming with Wyatt to rescue me.”

“Family is everything,” he replies, nodding with an approving smile. “And you are family now, whether you realize it or not.” He steps further into the room, his gaze shifting between Wyatt and me. “I just wanted to remind you both that you are not alone in this. We stand together, especially in times of hardship.”

The weight of his words settles in my heart. I never thought I would find a place where I truly belong after my parents were taken from me and I lost my pack, but here, surrounded by the Waterton Pack, I feel a sense of purpose burgeoning within me.

As we all settle into easy conversation, laughter and stories shared like threads weaving us together, I can’t shake the feeling that our journey has only just begun. There are challenges ahead, but with Wyatt by my side and the support of the pack, I feel ready to embrace whatever comes next.

As the evening unfolds, I realize that I have indeed found my home — not just in Wyatt’s arms, but in the heart of a family that has welcomed me with open arms. And with every passing moment, I know that the bond we share is destined for greatness, a force that will carry us through the darkest of times. Our love is a beacon of light in a world filled with uncertainties, and I can’t wait to see where this journey will take us.