The forest smelled of wet earth and pine as we drove back to the pack’s territory. The night had grown colder, but there was a strange quiet in the air, like the world itself was holding its breath. I sat next to Asher in the back, feeling the warmth and presence of him, steadying me after the tense hours at the council. Petra sat in the front next to Dennis, just as quiet as the
rest of us.
The girls had chosen to leave for their own packs. They hugged me quickly before leaving, their hands lingering, eyes filled with gratitude and relief. “Thank you.” The lead girl whispered. “For everything. You saved us.”
nodded, swallowing hard. “You were brave too. Don’t forget that.”
They disappeared into the dark forest, their figures blending with the shadows. I watched them go, feeling a mix of relief and sadness. I wanted to stay with them, to make sure they were safe, but I also knew that our pack needed me now.
As we drove along, Dennis spoke, his voice low and serious. “Your parents‘ anger… it won’t fade quickly, Trinity. They’re furious, and I’ve never seen them this… vengeful. It worries me.”
I looked at him, trying to keep my expression calm. “I know. They’ve always been… controlling. But they can’t hurt me anymore. Not like before. I can protect myself now.”
Dennis shook his head slightly, his eyes dark. “They won’t give up. Not easily. And this isn’t just about you–they’re angry about their sons, about what they think you’ve taken from them. That kind of anger doesn’t disappear overnight. We have to be careful.”
I swallowed again, feeling a chill run down my spine. The council had cleared me, but my parents‘ fury still lingered, thick and dangerous. I had hoped the judgment would give me a sense of peace, but instead, it felt like a storm waiting just beyond the horizon.
Asher reached out and gently touched my arm. His hand was warm, grounding me. “Hey.” He said softly. “Don’t think about them right now. Not tonight. You need rest. You need to come back to us, to your pack. They can wait. Let’s focus on what’s here, what’s real, what’s safe.”
I nodded, letting his words sink in. I felt tired–more tired than I had in years–but I also felt relief in being back where I belonged. The packhouse had always been a place of safety, and now, after everything, I needed that more than ever.
Dennis cleared his throat. “Your pack will notice the tension. You’ve been gone for hours, and something… heavier than normal hangs around you. I suggest you rest and let us handle the outside threats for now. You’ve done enough today.”
< CHAPTER 61
+25 Points
Petra’s eyes met mine, sharp but kind. “He’s right. You can’t fight every battle at once. Your parents‘ anger is theirs to deal with. For now, focus on recovering. We’ll be ready if they make a move, but you can’t carry all of this alone.”
I let myself breathe, feeling some of the weight lift from my shoulders. For the first time that night, I allowed myself to relax slightly. I leaned my head on Asher’s shoulder, his steady presence a comfort.
The pack’s territory came into view, lanterns flickering along the paths, the familiar sounds of life echoing through the night. Wolves moved quietly, ears twitching, watching us as we approached. Some nodded in acknowledgment, others simply continued their routines, sensing the tension but trusting that we were safe.
We reached the center of the pack, where the packhouse stood. The fire outside crackled and spat sparks into the night, warming the air. I felt the familiar energy of home, of family, and my shoulders loosened a little more.
Asher guided me to a bench near the fire. “Sit.” He said gently. “Rest for a while. Eat something. You need it.”
I sank onto the bench, letting exhaustion take over. Dennis and Petra stood nearby, vigilant, scanning the edges of the territory. I could tell they were already thinking ahead, preparing for whatever my parents might try.
Asher sat beside me, pulling a blanket over my shoulders. He brushed a strand of hair from my face and gave me a small, reassuring smile. “You’re safe here.” He said. “For now, that’s what matters.”
I nodded, letting myself lean into him. I closed my eyes for a moment, listening to the fire crackle and the distant sounds of wolves moving through the forest. It felt… good. Safe. Normal, almost.
Dennis spoke again, his voice low but firm. “We’ll stay alert. Your parents might try something, but we’re ready. No one will touch you, Trinity. Not while I’m Alpha, and not while this pack stands with you.”
Petra added, her tone calm but sharp: “They underestimate you if they think fear will work. You’re strong. You’ve survived worse than this, and you’ve done it with courage. We’ll handle the threats. You focus on recovering.”
I took a deep breath, feeling a little more at ease. The storm outside still loomed–my parents‘ anger was real, and dangerous–but I was not alone. I had Asher, Dennis, Petra, Gage and Arlo and the pack behind me. We were strong together.
Asher leaned closer, his voice soft. “Do you want to talk about it?”
< CHAPTER 61
+25 Points
I shook my head slowly. “Not right now. I just… need to rest. To be here. That’s enough for tonight.”
He nodded, understanding. “Good. That’s all you need right now. We’ll face everything else when it comes. But right now, I’m getting you something to eat.”
After eating outside the packhouse we retreated inside to Asher’s bedroom. I got into bed as soon as I got changed and I closed my eyes, letting exhaustion wash over me. The fire in the bedroom warmed my face, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to feel safe. The council had spoken, the girls were gone but safe, and the pack was ready to protect me. That was enough.
Asher stayed beside me, holding me all night, a quiet anchor in the middle of everything.
I thought about my parents, their fury, their vows of vengeance. I knew the danger wasn’t gone. They wouldn’t give up easily. But for tonight, I didn’t have to fight. For tonight, I could simply be here, in the safety of my pack, with people who had my back no matter what.
The stars shone outside the window, clear and bright, and the night felt vast and open. I let myself breathe, slowly, deeply, letting the tension drain from my body. Tomorrow would bring challenges, but tonight, there was peace.
Asher squeezed my hand gently, his eyes soft in the firelight. “Rest.” He whispered. “You’ve earned it. We’ve got the rest.”
I nodded, leaning back and closing my eyes. For the first time in days, I allowed myself to let go of the fear, the anger, the tension. Here, with my pack, I was safe. Here, I could be myself.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
SUMMARY (~1000 Words in English)
