Chapter Fourteen

Kane

So it’s not just me she’s scared of. I shouldn’t take comfort in that, but fuck it, I do.

There’s no way I’m getting any sleep tonight. Not with another alpha on my territory. An alpha who threatened my omega. Got her hurt.

I should’ve come back to the cabin sooner. I knew damn well the other rogue wasn’t going to show himself. And yet, I tore up half the damn mountain.

Leaving Willow all alone.

The way I found her, curled up, with that knife in her hands … I almost wanted to let her slash me. I’d have let her do damn near anything to feel safe again.

Realizing I’m sweating, I untie my cloak. I’d have doused the fire by now if not for Willow, shivering in the other room. Where did she come from to have such thin skin—frozen to the bone the second winter kicks in? Maybe she was some kind of a princess. She’s sure pretty enough.

For hours, the cabin is still. I keep my senses peeled, scanning the windows at every gust of wind.

Noise from the bedroom draws my attention. I glare into the doorway, trying to catch a glimpse of the sleeping omega, but her blankets are pulled all the way up to her face. She twists around so frantically I almost think she’s awake, whimpering quietly.

I charge into the room without thinking. “Hey. Omega.”

Willow’s breathing shortens. “Stop,” she chokes. “P–please.”

It’s only as she starts to cry, sobs wracking her pale, shuddering body, that I realize she’s not talking to me.

I lower myself to the mattress. “ Willow .”

Her breath catches, and I think she’s about to startle upright, when instead she looses a short, hoarse scream. My heart jolts.

“Omega!” I seize her shoulders. “Hey—I’m here. I’m right here.”

Gasping, she jerks awake. I help her sit up, willing to do anything if it means keeping my hands on her body.

“Breathe,” I order, rubbing between her shoulder blades.

Tears course down her cheeks. I use my free hand to brush them away, unable to resist how perfectly her jaw fits my palm. Her lips are soft and drained of color. She stares into me like she can’t believe I’m here.

Then her face softens.

With a muffled chirp, she throws herself into my chest.

I’ve never given my inner alpha the reins so fast. That deep, animal part of me takes charge, drawing her into me as naturally as breath. I wrap my arms around her waist. Tuck my chin over her head. The more covered she is, the safer she’ll be.

“That’s it,” I rumble, “you’re okay now.”

A note of honey twirls through the fog. She’s coming back to me. Slowly.

I run my hand down her spine, fingers catching in her tussled curls. Even stiff and shivering, she’s so … soft .

“Shh,” I murmur. “I’ve got you.”

To my surprise, her head grazes my throat, nodding. My pulse jumps, realizing how easy it would be to scent her right now.

“I’m sorry,” she whimpers.

I start. “What the hell are you sorry for?”

She bristles slightly, so I pump out more soothing pheromones. Don’t snap, jackass. She’s scared enough as it is.

“You …” she croaks. “You weren’t meant to see me like this.”

What’s that got to do with anything? Does she think I’m going to use this against her somehow?

“I knew you had nightmares,” I choose my words more carefully. “Just didn’t think they got this bad.”

She cranes her neck. “You knew?”

God, those eyes. Still all puffy and raw with tears—they shouldn’t be so damn pretty.

I clear my throat. “Heard you sleep-talk a couple times. Didn’t sound very peaceful.”

She blushes faintly. “Oh.”

We sit together in silence once more. Every now and again, Willow sniffles, but she’s calmer than she was. No more tears.

And she has to be crying before you give a damn? my inner alpha demands.

The question burns in the back of my throat, urging me to fucking ask already. But I also know the risk. She could send me out. Force me to let go of her, maybe for good. I’m not sure my inner alpha can handle that right now.

Cautiously, I prompt, “Is it … ’cause of the other alpha?”

Willow shudders. I don’t dare move a muscle.

Quietly, she answers, “Probably.”

I have to suppress a growl. Every time I pry, even a little, she shuts down. I’m not sure why I expected anything different. Maybe because I’m in her bed, my inner alpha snarling at me to hold her tighter.

Then, to my surprise, she goes on, “I really thought he was here for me. I know that must sound stupid.”

“It doesn’t,” I blurt out. “We get plenty of alphas poking around, looking for a mate. Normally means they’re in rut.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

I go quiet again, giving her a chance to explain. Willow takes a breath.

“There are people—” she swallows, “looking for me.”

I scowl, my protective instincts flaring. “What people?”

“My pack. My fathers.”

Her fathers. My heart pounds, already hungry to know more. “Hang on.” I recall my earlier idea. “Don’t tell me you’re actually royalty or something?”

Her laugh is as sweet as it is shocking. “ Royalty ?”

“Just answer the damn question.”

“No. Not royalty.”

“Alright.” I try not to blush. “The fuck do they want you for, then?”

She hesitates, her scent souring. “That’s a long story.”

“Yeah, well …” I tighten my hold around her waist. “Night’s still young.”

Not exactly subtle. Then, I never was the subtle type.

I lengthen my breaths. The slightest hitch, and she’ll feel it. She deserves calm right now. Someone who’ll hear her, and protect her, no matter what she says.

“Okay,” she whispers.

I stop breathing altogether. “Okay, what?”

There’s something certain about her pheromones—like honey left out in the cold, drying, hardening.

“Okay,” she says, “I’ll tell you about my pack.”