The observation stung because it was true. He’d spent more than twenty years building walls, developing systems, and creating distance between himself and everyone he might care about. And now Chloe was systematically dismantling every defense he’d constructed.
They ate in silence for a while. His mind raced, trying to reconcile his carefully controlled worldview with the reality of the woman sitting beside him—pregnant, vulnerable, and utterly unafraid of the monster living under his skin.
“I read about the Halloween Festival incident,” she said eventually. “The one with your father.”
His sandwich turned to ash in his mouth. “Who told you?”
“No one. I found it in the town records. There was a report filed by the sheriff at the time.” She glanced at him. “It said your father’s Hyde emerged for approximately forty-five seconds. That he positioned himself between your mother and the person who’d bumped into her. And then he transformed back without incident.”
“He lost control.”
“He protected his mate from a perceived threat. Then reasserted control the moment he realized there was no actual danger.”Her voice was thoughtful. “That doesn’t sound like a loss of control. That sounds like Hyde doing exactly what guardians are supposed to do.”
He stared at her. “You think my father’s Hyde was right to emerge?”
“I think your father’s Hyde reacted to a threat against someone he loved. And I think your father spent the rest of his life punishing himself for it.” She met his eyes. “Just like you’re punishing yourself for something you haven’t even done.”
Punishing himself for something he hasn’t even done.
Was that what he was doing? Holding himself to his father’s standard of perfect control? Expecting himself to never falter, never slip, never allow Hyde even a moment of freedom?
“I don’t know how to do this differently,” he admitted quietly. “Control is all I know.”
“Then maybe it’s time to learn something new.” She shifted closer until their shoulders touched. “I’m not asking you to throw away everything you’ve learned. But maybe you could try trusting Hyde, just a little, just with me.”
Hyde rumbled approval, pressing against Victor’s control like a pleased cat.
Yes,Hyde said.Trust me with her. I’ll keep her safe.
That’s what I’m afraid of, he thought.You’ll try to keep her safe and someone will get hurt in the process.
Only if they threaten her.
And who decides what constitutes a threat?
Hyde didn’t hesitate.We do. Together.
The word “together” echoed in his mind. Integration, not suppression. Partnership, not control. It terrified him. But sitting here with Chloe’s warmth pressed against his side and her absolute faith in him radiating like sunlight, he found himself wanting to try.
“I’ll make you a deal,” he said slowly.
She looked up at him, hope brightening her expression. “What kind of deal?”
“I’ll try to trust Hyde more, and stop fighting him so hard.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “But you have to promise me something.”
“What?”
“If I ever scare you—if Hyde ever makes you uncomfortable—you tell me immediately. No downplaying it. No trying to protect my feelings.” He caught her chin gently, tilting her face toward his. “Promise me.”
“I promise.” She smiled. “But I don’t think it’s going to be an issue.”
“Chloe—”
“Victor, I’ve been around you when Hyde is close to the surface. I’ve felt his hands grow. Seen your eyes glow. And you know what I’ve noticed?” She covered his hand with hers. “He’s gentle. Careful. Like he’s handling something precious.”
Hyde preened.
He felt his control slip another notch.
