Chapter 68
Kane’s POV
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The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, bathing the room in a muted glow.
I hadn’t slept much, if at all. Tessa was still curled against me, her breathing steady now, but I could still feel the faint remnants of her earlier trembling.
The sight of her bruised face relaxed in sleep was both a relief and a knife to the chest. She needed rest, but I knew even in her dreams she wasn’t entirely free from the memories of what had happened to her.
I stayed still for as long as I could, unwilling to disturb her. My hand rested on her shoulder, her warmth grounding me in the moment. But eventually, the grime of yesterday clung to me too heavily to ignore.
I eased myself out of bed slowly, making sure my movements didn’t wake her. She shifted slightly, a faint whimper escaping her lips, but didn’t stir fully as ! released a breath.
My steps were quiet as I grabbed a fresh towel and headed for the adjoining bathroom. The faint hiss of the shower filled the air, a comforting sound that momentarily muffled the storm of thoughts in my head as I left the door slightly ajar.
The hot water hit my skin, washing away the tension that had built up over the past few days. I braced myself against the tiled wall, letting the heat soothe the ache in my muscles.
But even under the cascade, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. The way she had clung to me last night, the way her voice had trembled when she admitted her fears, and the way her trust – though fragile – was still there. She was strong, stronger than she gave herself credit for and I just hoped in the future
she would see that.
A muffled sound reached my ears as I rinsed myself from the soap, breaking through the hum of the shower. I froze, tilting my head to listen. It was faint at
first, but then I heard it again – my name, called out in a panicked, shaky voice.
“Tessa?‘ I called out, shutting off the water quickly.
“Kane!” Her voice was louder this time, filled with complete harrowing fear.
Grabbing the towel from the hook quickly, I wrapped it hastily around my waist and bolted out of the bathroom, water still dripping from my hair and
shoulders.
My heart raced as I scanned the room, my wolf already clawing to the surface at the thought of something being wrong incase there was a possible threat – but it was just her.
Tessa was sitting up in bed, her chest heaving as she gasped for air. Her wide, unfocused eyes darted around the room until they landed on me. Relief flickered across her face, but her breathing was still erratic, her panic not fully abated.
I crossed the room in a few long strides, dropping to my knees at her side. “Tessa I’m here,” I said firmly but gently, placing a hand on her arm. “You’re okay. I was just in the shower.”
Her hands trembled as they reached for me, clutching my forearm like a lifeline. thought… I thought you left.”
-I woke up, and you weren’t here,” she stammered, her voice cracking. I
Her words twisted around in my chest, and I cupped her face with both hands, forcing her to look at me. I would never leave you, Tessa. Never. I was just in the bathroom. I’m right here.”
Her breathing was still wobbly, and I could see the panic filling up her eyes. She was caught somewhere between sleep and wakefulness, her mind still
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gripped by whatever nightmare had dragged her under.
“Breathe with me,” I said, keeping my voice steady. I took a deep breath, exaggerating the motion so she could follow. “In… and out. That’s it.”
She tried, her breaths hitching at first, but then she managed to match mine. Slowly, her chest began to rise and fall in time with mine, the wild look in her eyes softening.
‘You’re safe, I murmured, my thumbs brushing against her cheeks. “No one can hurt you here. I promise.”
Her grip on my arm loosened slightly, though she didn’t let go. “I thought… I thought I was back there,‘ she whispered, her voice breaking.
“You’re not, I assured her, leaning in so our foreheads almost touched. “You’re here, with me. They can’t touch you anymore.”
She nodded, though her tears spilled over, tracing silent paths down her cheeks. moved onto the bed, pulling her into my arms, towel and all. I didn’t care that I was still dripping wet, or that my heart was pounding harder than it should have been.
Her body trembled against mine, and I held her tighter, stroking her hair as her breathing finally steadied. She buried her face in my chest, her tears soaking into my skin, but I didn’t care. All that mattered was that she was calming down, that the fear was ebbing away.
‘I’m sorry,” she whispered after a while, her voice muffled.
‘Don’t be,” I said firmly, tilting her chin up so I could meet her gaze. “You don’t have to apologise for being scared, Tessa. After everything you’ve been through, it’s okay to feel this way.”
Her lip quivered, and she looked away, ashamed. I hated that look
–
hated that she felt like this was a weakness.
‘You’re not weak,” I said, my tone soft but resolute. “You’re human. And you’re strong times as you need.”
–
stronger than you know. I’m here to remind you of that as many
Her eyes met mine, searching for something – maybe reassurance, maybe strength. Whatever it was, I hoped she found it, because I wasn’t going anywhere.
For the first time since I’d rushed out of the bathroom, she leaned back slightly, her grip on me relaxing. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely
audible.
I brushed a strand of hair away from her face and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Always.”
The tension in her shoulders eased a little more, and she let out a shaky sigh. “I’m sorry I scared you.”
“You didn’t scare me,” I lied, offering her a small smile. “But next time, you can just yell at me for taking too long in the shower.”
Her lips twitched, a faint shadow of a smile breaking through the storm. It wasn’t much, but it was enough.
We sat there for a while longer, the morning light growing brighter around us. I didn’t move, didn’t let go, because no matter what, I wanted her to know
she wasn’t alone.
Not now. Not ever.
A soft knock at the door interrupted the fragile quiet between us. Tessa stiffened slightly in my arms, her head lifting as she glanced toward the door. I stroked her arm gently, murmuring, “It’s okay. I’ll get it.”
Reluctantly, I eased away from her and crossed the room, grabbing the towel more securely around my waist as I opened the door. A young maid stood there, her hands clasped around a neatly folded bundle of clothes.
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“Alpha Kane,” she greeted with a small bow, her voice soft and polite. “I’ve brough fresh clothes for the lady. Alpha Kion asked that I deliver them as my English is good. Breakfast will be served shortly, and he hopes you’ll both join him downstairs.”
I took the bundle with a nod, my protective instincts making me watch her closely even though she looked harmless. “Thank you.”
She hesitated, her eyes darting toward Tessa for a moment. “If there’s anything else you or the lady need, please let me know,”
‘We’re fine,” I replied curtly, not wanting to draw Tessa’s attention to the maid’s Lingering concern.
The maid bowed again and left, her footsteps fading down the hall. I shut the door and turned back to Tessa, who was still sitting on the bed, her hands clutching the blanket around her shoulders.
“They sent some clothes for you,” I said, placing the bundle on the bed beside her ‘Looks like Kion’s trying to make himself useful.”
Tessa gave a faint, humorless smile but didn’t say anything. Her fingers brushed over the soft fabric hesitantly, as though she wasn’t sure she had the strength to move just yet. ‘He seems nice.” She comments, as I nod briefly.
‘He does… so far, Here, let me help you,” I said gently, crouching in front of her again.
She hesitated, but then she nodded, her eyes falling to the blanket she still held close. I reached for the brush that had been left on the bedside table the night before, running my fingers lightly through the tangled strands of her hair first to avoid hurting her.
“Your hair’s a mess,‘ I teased lightly, trying to coax even the faintest smile from her.
A soft huff escaped her lips–not quite a laugh, but close enough. “I wonder why, she murmured.
I chuckled, carefully working through the knots with the brush. “Probably because you were too busy being a badass to care about hair maintenance.”
She tilted her head slightly, a flicker of something warm passing through her expression. “That doesn’t sound like me.”
“It is,” I said firmly, smoothing down the last tangle. “You don’t see it yet, but you’re stronger than you think, Tessa.”
She looked at me then, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I don’t feel strong
“Then let me feel it for you,” I
d softly. “Until you can.”
Her lip trembled, but she nodded, her trust in me steadying something deep inside my chest.
I helped her to her feet, handing her the fresh clothes before stepping back to give her some privacy. She changed quickly, the simple yet soft tunic and leggings fitting her perfectly, She smoothed her hands over the fabric, glancing at herself in the mirror like she didn’t recognize the person staring back.
“You look beautiful,” 1 said simply, meaning every word.
Her cheeks flushed faintly, and for the first time that morning, she looked almost shy.
‘Come on,” I said, holding out my hand. “Let’s get you some breakfast.”
She hesitated but then slid her hand into mine, her grip tentative but firm enough to make my chest tighten. Together, we left the room and made our way
downstairs.
The scent of fresh bread and roasted meat hit us as we entered the dining hall.
The large table was already set, and sitting near the head were Seth, Erin, and Alha Kion. Erin was leaning close to Seth, speaking in low tones while kon
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appeared to be studying a piece of parchment in front of him.
All three looked up as we entered. Erin’s eyes lit up, her expression softening will refief when she saw Tessa, Seth offered a small smile, though tes ga** flickered to me briefly, a silent question in his eyes.
Tessa!” Erin exclaimed, pushing her chair back and rushing over. She stopped just short of embracing her friend, her hands hovering awkwardly as though
she wasn’t sure if it was the right move.
Tessa gave a faint smile and reached out, pulling Erin into a quick hug. I’m okay she said softly, though the way she leaned into Erin for a moment spoke
volumes.
Alpha Kion rose smoothly, his piercing gaze shifting between Tessa and me. It’s good to see you both up. I trust you had a decent night’s rest?”
I held his gaze, my expression neutral. “We managed.”
His lips twitched slightly, but he didn’t push. Instead, he gestured to the table. Please, sit. You’ll need your strength for the day ahead.”
Tessa hesitated, but I guided her gently toward a chair, sitting beside her and keeping her hand in mine under the table. The food smelled amazing, and though I could feel Tessa’s reluctance, I made a silent vow to ensure she ate.
Because no matter what lay ahead, she’d need every ounce of strength she could muster
and I’d be there every step of the way to make sure she had it.
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