They trust me enough to handle it, but I know they’re still bracing themselves for any kind of impact that might shake the island as a whole. I can only hope that doesn’t happen, but I know this stretch of good luck can only go so far until something has to give.
With no true action from Hayes yet and no dangerous run-ins with the rogue group, everything is far from settled.
Naia has been adjusting. It hasn’t been seamless or easy, of course, but she’s not pushing against everything the way she was before. The constant arguments have slowed, and the sharp barricades between us have worn down just enough to leave breathing room.
We still clash and snap at each other occasionally, but it doesn’t spiral out of control the same way.
When we actually talk instead of fighting, here’s something there. Something that feels right, rather than a connection randomly dropped into our laps.
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget our past because we’re so different now, but it’s moments like these when I remember how steady that foundation of trust had been. Even if things never went further than friendship before, we had each other in a place that didn’t nurture close ties.
She’s in my arms now while the house is quiet, and late afternoon light cuts through the windows in long, soft streaks. With nobody around, no interruptions, and no pressure, it’s just the two of us, enjoying a rare moment of peace.
Her back is pressed against my chest with my arms wrapped around her middle, and her fingers loosely tangle with mine where they rest against her stomach.
The bond hums low and steady, present and not making demands while we’re this close. Everything feels so much easier like this, and it almost makes me afraid of losing it.
“You’re thinking too much,” she murmurs, her voice soft but knowing.
I huff quietly to myself. “Always.”
She shifts slightly, leaning back into me just a little more as she glances up at me. “What is it this time?”
I hesitate, then I murmur, “The pack.”
She stiffens just enough for me to feel it immediately, and everything in me zeroes in on it.
“What about them?” she asks, tone neutral, but I catch something underneath it.
“The others are settling,” I tell her, keeping it light. “And the guys aren’t as on edge anymore. They’re…giving you space and time.”
“That’s generous of them,” she mutters.
“It’s more than that,” I counter. “They’re trusting me, and the same will apply to you soon enough.”
She doesn’t respond, but her fingers idly move against mine like she doesn’t know what to say in response.
I tighten my hold slightly. “You’ve noticed it.”
“Of course I’ve noticed it. It’s hard not to when people stop looking at you like you’re going to burn the place down.”
“That’s not what they were doing.”
“It’s exactly what they were doing, and I don’t blame them.”
I don’t argue that, since she’s not wrong, even if I want to claim she is.
“They’re trying,” I say, not wanting to dwell on the more negative side of things.
Moving slightly so I can see her face, even if it’s just in profile, I look down at her. “It’s not like we need their permission to do anything, but it helps to have the guys on our side. The pack here is still getting used to having someone else around, and I think it will help once they see you’re really in this.”
Naia pauses at my words, considering them silently with more tension in her shoulders now. She pulls her hands free from mine, creating just enough space to turn around and faceme fully. Her expression is more closed off than it was a second ago.
Her eyes narrow slightly. “You want me to integrate.”
Rather than a question, it sounds more like a subtle accusation, and one that surprises me.
“Yeah,” I return. “Eventually. It’s not like it needs to happen tomorrow.”
