The wind carried the scent of pine and damp soil as my paws pounded against the ground in a rhythmic beat. My heart raced in sync with my stride, the adrenaline coursing through my veins amplifying every beat. The world became a mesmerizing blur, a kaleidoscope of colors, and a multitude of sensations that deepened my connection to everything around me.
Was this what it meant to be free? The rush of excitement set my thoughts in motion. The earth beneath my paws was incredibly intoxicating, especially when coupled with the way the trees gracefully swayed and bent around me as I moved. My past and fears had kept me trapped for such a long time that these moments of unbridled release felt like a healing elixir for my soul.
As my wolf reveled in our run, the burden of everything we had gone through eased a bit. There was still so much uncertainty hanging over us, and there was no getting away from the fact that I’d eventually have to face the challenges ahead. For now, I found solace in surrendering to the untamed allure of the forest, where my worries were momentarily cast aside, and I embraced the freedom of running with the wind at my back.
But even as I tried to concentrate on the sensations around me—the feel of the wind through my fur and the crisp scent of pine in the air—my thoughts persistently revolved around Liam. I desperately wanted to trust him, to believe that he truly loved me and would never betray me. But as I’d found out, life was rarely so simple.
Just as I wrestled with these thoughts, a familiar presence appeared in the woods ahead. Ty, in his massive wolf form, emerged from the shadows, his golden eyes blazing with understanding and concern. His presence alone was enough to put me at ease, bringing me comfort and reassurance.
Robin acknowledged Ty’s arrival before gracefully disappearing into the trees, leaving us alone in the serenity of the forest. We ran beside each other through the forest that surrounded the estate. When we reached the clearing where I’d stashed my clothes, I slowed to a stop. My chest rose and fell with each heavy breath, and my heart thumped wildly.
I shifted back to my human form. He did the same, standing before me, his handsome face clouded with worry.
“Hey.” He gently reached out to touch my arm. “What’s going on? You seem... troubled.”
I hesitated, unsure how to express my fears without sounding paranoid or ungrateful for all that Liam had done for me so far. But Ty’s patient, gentle smile encouraged me to speak my mind.
“Ty, do you think… Can we really trust Liam?” I wavered, hating how vulnerable I sounded. “I want to believe that he loves me and wouldn’t betray me, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit it’s a possibility. He’s admitted he knows the trigger word. What if he activates me? From everything Liam shared, there wouldn’t be a lot we could do about it. I’d be at his mercy.”
Sympathy filled his eyes. “I can’t even begin to imagine how you’re feeling, but I do understand your concerns. It’s natural toquestion things in a situation like this. But I’ve barely met the man, and I believe he truly loves you.”
“Even if he does love me, that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t betray me. Power can make people do crazy things.”
He nodded solemnly. “That’s true. But everything Liam’s done so far has proved to me he would do anything to protect you. I trust him to do the right thing when it comes down to it.”
“Can you promise me that?” I asked, carefully studying him for any hint of doubt.
Ty hesitated. “I can promise you the support of me and the pack. As for Liam, based on his actions so far, all I can offer you is my faith.”
I tried to absorb the unwavering conviction he offered, letting it seep into every fiber of my being. I wanted to believe him and trust that Liam wasn’t a threat. Ty had always been able to read people well, especially other wolves, so if he believed in Liam, maybe I should, too.
“Thank you.” I pulled him into a tight embrace. His muscular arms wrapped around me, giving me the security and warmth I desperately needed.
“Anytime. You are not alone in this,” he murmured into my hair.
I gave him a weak smile. “I’ll try to put my doubts aside.”
“Good.” Ty squeezed my waist reassuringly. “Because there’s something else I need to tell you.”
My stomach clenched with apprehension, and I braced myself.
“I could feel the energy of your aura levels while we were running. They’re becoming stronger.” Ty’s brow furrowed with concern. “That can be both a blessing and a curse.”
“Stronger?” I asked, struggling to process what he was saying, though pride surged through me. But was being powerful truly a positive attribute? Another part of me, the part thatremembered the tales of destruction wrought by others who had lost control of their power, whispered a warning.
“Does that mean… I’m more dangerous?”
“Possibly,” Ty said. “It also means you have the potential to do incredible things, to protect those you love. That’s why we need to trust Liam. He can help you harness that power and use it for good.”
If my power was growing, I needed to learn how to control it, not just for my own sake, but for the safety of those around me.
“We should go back,” Ty insisted. “We have work to do.”
As we resumed our trek through the woods, I concentrated on the sensation of Ty’s hand in mine, the steady rhythm of our footsteps, and the crisp fall air against my skin. I tried to push away my lingering doubts about Liam, to trust in Ty’s judgment, and the bond that connected us all.
“Family,” I said under my breath, clinging to the word like a lifeline. For their sake, I would learn to control my powers. I would trust in Liam’s intentions, despite the doubts clinging to the edges of my thoughts.
If it turned out he couldn’t be trusted… well, I’d face that challenge if needed. With my family by my side, I could overcome anything.
