"Sleep well," I whispered as I stepped out into the hallway, making sure to close the door softly behind me.
"Son," my father began, clearly noticing my worry. "You know this is only the beginning, right? There's still much more to learn about Erica's situation."
"I know, Dad," I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's just... I feel like there's something we're missing. Something important." He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"Perhaps it's time for us to visit Erica's old pack. They might have more information that could help us understand what's going on."
"Maybe you're right," I conceded, my brow furrowed in thought. My mind raced with possibilities, questions, and concerns for the woman I cared so deeply about.
For now, though, I needed to focus on keeping her safe and helping her navigate the challenges that lay ahead.
"Let's make plans to visit her old pack soon," I suggested, determined to uncover the truth. "The more we know, the better equipped we'll be to handle whatever comes our way."
"Agreed," my father replied, his expression resolute. "We'll face this together, Liam. As a pack, as a family."
"Thank you, Dad." I offered him a grateful smile.
The soft sound of Erica's breathing filled the room as I stepped back inside, the dim glow from the moonlight casting a serene ambiance. Her peaceful expression tugged at my heartstrings, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of protectiveness for this strong-willed woman who had been through so much. Gently, I scooped her up in my arms, her body fitting perfectly against mine as if we were two halves of a whole. She stirred slightly, her breath hitching as she snuggled closer to me. The sweet scent of citrus wafted up, filling my senses and making my wolf purr in contentment.
"Shh," I whispered, trying not to wake her as I carried her toward the bed. "I've got you, baby." As I carefully laid her down, the soft sheets rustled beneath her. I took a moment to appreciate the sight of her nestled among the pillows, her red hair fanned out like a fiery halo. Despite all the uncertainties and challenges that lay ahead, I knew I would do anything to keep her safe. Slipping off my shoes and climbing into bed beside her, I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close to my chest. Her warmth seeped into my skin, and I revelled in the sensation. It felt like coming home after a long journey, comforting, familiar, and right.
"Is everything okay, Liam?" she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. "Everything will be fine," I reassured her, the words heavy with promise. "We'll figure this out together."
"Promise?"
"Cross my heart," I whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. Her eyes fluttered closed again, and I could feel the weight of her trust settle on my shoulders. As her breathing evened out and she drifted back to sleep, my mind raced with thoughts of our next steps. Visiting Erica's old pack could be the key to unlocking the answers we needed, but it was also a journey fraught with potential danger.
Chapter 38
Erica
Istumbledthroughthedark woods, my heart racing with fear. Tears streamed down my face as I tried to wipe them away with my small, trembling hands. The night was filled with the sounds of screams and the smell of burning wood. Fires raged around me, painting the trees in eerie shades of orange and red.
"Mummy?" I called out, desperately hoping she would hear me. "Daddy?" I felt so alone, just a little girl lost amidst chaos.
My chest tightened at the realisation that I couldn't find my parents. But then, like an answer to my prayers, I heard my mummy's voice.
"Erica!" she cried out, and without hesitation, I ran towards the sound. Through the smoke and fire, I saw her standing beside my dad, who was in his great big wolf form. Their backs were turned to me, facing off against another large black wolf that I had never seen before. Panic surged through me as the unknown wolf lunged towards my dad. Mummy's hands seemed to glow, and she threw something that looked like a fireball at the attacker.
"Run, Erica!" she screamed as she turned to face me, her eyes wide with terror. I did as I was told, running away from the horrifying scene before me.
Suddenly, the world shifted, and I found myself standing in a circle of ancient stones, surrounded by a serene silence that contrasted sharply with the chaos I had just left behind.
"Christian?" I whispered, recognising his scent before I even saw him. He stood with his back to me, but I knew it was him, the Alpha heir of our pack. Relief washed over me, knowing that he would protect me.
"Erica," Christian said softly, his voice reassuring. "I'll always protect you." I didn't understand what was happening or why we were here, but I trusted him. As I looked beyond Christian, I saw a tall, shadowy figure lurking in the darkness. Somehow, I knew it was the black wolf from earlier.
Fear gripped me again as the figure rushed forward, hurling Christian into one of the standing stones. I screamed, my heart lurching at the sickening crunch that followed. Christian crumpled to the ground, his body twisted at an unnatural angle, unmoving. The shadowy figure closed in on me, and as he neared, I could see the gold flecks in his eyes.
"I've found you," he growled before grabbing me roughly. I screamed for Christian, even though I knew he couldn't save me now. The man carried me away from the stone circle and the hidden cove, my cries echoing through the night. "Christian!" I sobbed, unable to fathom what had just happened and my world shattered around me.
I bolted upright, a scream tearing through my throat. The darkness of the room closed in on me, suffocating my senses. Panic surged through me as I felt arms holding me down, trapping me in this nightmare. My heart raced, and I struggled to break free from their grip. A soft glow filled the room suddenly, illuminating Liam's concerned face. The scent of gingerbread and fire filled the air, calming my racing heart as I realised I was safe in bed with him. He loosened his hold on me, and I collapsed against him, my body wracked with sobs.
"It's all my fault," I choked out between heaving breaths. "Everything that happened... It's because of me."
"Baby, slow down. What are you talking about?" Liam asked, a frown creasing his brow as he tried to make sense of my words.
"Everyone who died... My parents, Alpha Trenton... I'm the reason they attacked us." I babbled, my thoughts a jumbled mess of guilt and fear.
