LOGINShare
Chapter 23: A Safe Haven
Last Updated:
2024-11-22 10:34:25Elena’s Point of View
Ren raised an eyebrow at Sara’s outburst, clearly amused, but he didn’t take the bait. Instead, he turned to Elena, his expression shifting to something more serious - something that made her chest tighten.
“You’re safe for now,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with concern. “But it won’t stay that way. You need to pack a bag - essentials for the next week. You’re coming with me.”
Elena blinked, her heart skipping a beat. “What? Why?”
“Because it’s not safe here,” Ren said, his tone firm. “Not after what happened tonight. If those wolves come back - and they might - I need to know you’re protected. My house is secure. You’ll be safe there.”
Sara, still standing near the door, looked between them, her eyes wide. “Wait, hold on. You’re just going to leave? Like, right now?”
Ren turned to her, his expression softening slightly. “You can come with us if you want. It’s your choice. But if you stay here, you need to be with your family. Make sure they’re okay.”
Sara hesitated, her arms crossing over her chest. “I… I don’t know. This is all so..” She stopped herself, shaking her head. “No. I can’t just disappear. I need to check on my parents, my brother… I need to know they’re safe.”
Ren nodded, his gaze understanding. “That’s a good choice. But be careful. Don’t go out at night, and don’t open the door for anyone you don’t know.”
Sara gave him a skeptical look but didn’t argue. “Yeah, okay, wolf boy. Thanks for the advice.”
Ren ignored the jab, turning back to Elena. “Go pack. Quickly.”
Elena moved through her apartment in a daze, grabbing clothes, toiletries, and a few personal items as her mind raced. She barely noticed Sara trailing behind her, muttering under her breath about how insane the night had become.
“You’re really going with him?” Sara asked, leaning against the doorway to Elena’s bedroom.
Elena paused, her hand hovering over a stack of folded sweaters. “I don’t see another option,” she admitted. “If Ren says it’s not safe here, I believe him.”
Sara sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I just… I don’t get it, El. How do you know you can trust him?”
Elena looked up, meeting her friend’s worried gaze. “I don’t know how to explain it,” she said softly. “I just… I do. I feel it.”
Sara frowned but didn’t argue further. “Fine. But call me. Text me. Something. I don’t want to lose track of you, okay?”
“I will,” Elena promised, zipping up her bag.
When she returned to the living room, Ren was waiting, his expression calm but watchful. He took her bag without a word, slinging it over his shoulder as he glanced at the door.
“Ready?” he asked.
Elena nodded. “Yeah.”
Sara grabbed her own bag, a small backpack she had thrown together quickly. “I’ll need a ride home first.”
Ren’s lips quirked into a faint smile. “Of course.”
As they stepped outside, Ren took the keys from Elena’s hand. “I’ll drive,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Elena didn’t protest, sliding into the passenger seat as Ren settled behind the wheel. Sara climbed into the back, still grumbling under her breath, but she kept her eyes on the road as they drove.
The ride to Sara’s house was tense but uneventful. The town was quiet now, the chaos from earlier replaced by an eerie stillness. Elena couldn’t help but glance at Ren occasionally, his focused expression reassuring her even as questions swirled in her mind.
When they pulled up to Sara’s family home, she hesitated before getting out of the car.
“Are you sure about this?” Elena asked, her voice quiet.
Sara nodded, giving her a small smile. “Yeah. I’ll be fine. But you .. ” She pointed a finger at Elena. “Be careful, okay? And call me. Promise.”
“I promise,” Elena said, leaning over to hug her tightly.
Sara stepped out of the car, pausing to give Ren a long, appraising look. “Take care of her,” she said, her tone uncharacteristically serious.
“I will,” Ren said simply.
Sara nodded, then disappeared into the house, leaving Elena and Ren alone in the car.
As they drove out of town, the tension between them shifted, the silence growing heavier. Elena glanced at Ren, the dim light from the dashboard casting shadows across his sharp features.
“Where are we going?” she asked softly.
“To my house,” he said. “It’s outside the pack village, deep in the woods. You’ll be safe there.”
Elena nodded, her fingers twisting in her lap. “And what happens next?”
Ren hesitated, his grip on the wheel tightening slightly. “We figure it out. One step at a time.”
She studied him for a moment, her heart aching with the weight of everything she wanted to ask but couldn’t find the words for. Instead, she reached out, placing a hand on his arm.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
Ren glanced at her, his amber eyes softening. “Always.”
As the car disappeared into the dark, winding forest roads, Elena couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she could never have imagined.
Related chapters
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 24 : Arrival at the Ren's House
Elena’s Point of ViewThe car rumbled quietly as it made its way deeper into the woods, the winding roads shrouded in darkness. The headlights cast eerie shadows across the trees, their gnarled branches stretching toward the sky like skeletal hands.Elena leaned her head against the window, her breath fogging the glass as she tried to calm her racing thoughts. The events of the night replayed in her mind like a disjointed dream - massive wolves terrorizing the town, Ren appearing out of nowhere to save her, and now this : leaving everything behind to stay at his home, wherever that was.She stole a glance at him. Ren’s hands gripped the wheel with a steady confidence, his expression unreadable in the dim light. His shirtless torso was still bare, the faint scratches on his chest a stark reminder of the battle he’d fought to protect her.Her eyes lingered for a moment longer than she intended. Despite everything - the fear, the confusion - there was something about him that made her fe
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 25 : Comfort in the Night
Elena’s Point of ViewThe room was quiet and serene as Elena prepared for bed, but her mind was anything but calm. The events of the night churned in her thoughts, vivid flashes of snarling wolves and panicked screams replaying behind her closed eyes.She changed into a soft, oversized t-shirt and shorts, brushing her hair as she glanced at the window. The moon hung high in the sky, its light casting a pale glow over the forest beyond. It was beautiful, but it did little to soothe her nerves.Elena climbed into the plush bed, the comforter soft and inviting against her skin. She tried to focus on the warmth of the room, the faint crackle of a distant fireplace, the feeling of safety Ren’s presence brought.But as her eyes drifted closed, the shadows of her fears crept in.The dream came suddenly and vividly, as if she were back in the chaos of the town.The wolves were everywhere, their massive forms tearing through the streets, their growls and snarls echoing in the night. People scr
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 1 : Shadows of the Past
Elena Thompson adjusted her glasses as she leaned over the ancient text, the musty scent of old paper filling her nostrils. The dim light of the library’s reading room illuminated her workspace, where she surrounded herself with books on historical folklore and mythology. As a historian at the university, her passion for unraveling the stories of the past had driven her to this moment, buried in legends that whispered of the supernatural.She turned the page, her heart racing with excitement as she read about the tales of werewolves - beings caught between worlds, cursed to roam under the moonlight. The stories spoke of transformation, love, and loss, and she couldn’t help but feel a strange connection to them. Perhaps it was her fascination with the eerie folklore of her hometown, where families whispered tales of creatures lurking in the woods, or perhaps it was the lingering sense of something missing in her own life.This prophecy catch her eye in particular. So she read it few ti
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 2 : A Chance Encounter
The air of the Moonlight Festival was alive with energy, a symphony of laughter, music, and the tantalizing aromas of food wafting through the stalls. Lanterns hung from the trees like tiny, glowing moons, casting a soft golden light over the forest clearing where the townspeople had gathered. Elena walked beside Sara, her best friend since childhood, soaking in the festive atmosphere.“This is exactly what I needed,” Sara said, her voice light as she linked arms with Elena. “A night to forget about everything - papers, deadlines, and that obnoxious coworker of mine.”Elena laughed, nudging her playfully. “You mean Ben? I thought you said he had a "charming smile.’”Sara rolled her eyes dramatically. “Charming, yes. But not when he’s talking about his golf game for the tenth time this week.” She groaned, pulling Elena toward one of the food stalls. “Come on, let’s get something to eat before I lose my patience with the entire male species.”They stopped at a brightly decorated cart se
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 3 : A Forbidden Fate
The sounds of the Moonlight Festival filled the air as Ren stepped onto the festival grounds. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, their soft light illuminating the bustling crowd. Music played from a nearby stage, the rhythmic beat of drums blending with the hum of conversations and laughter. But none of it truly registered with him. His mind was elsewhere, caught between the responsibilities of his role as Alpha and the tension that had gripped the pack in recent weeks.He hadn’t planned to attend the festival - his duties kept him busy enough - but something had pulled him here tonight, an instinct he couldn’t quite ignore. As he moved through the crowd, his sharp senses scanned his surroundings, ever alert for danger or disturbance. But what he found instead stopped him in his tracks.A scent.It was faint at first, carried on the wind, but it struck him with such force that he nearly staggered. Lavender, with a hint of something sweet and earthy, a fragrance so intoxicating that
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 4 : A Troubled Revelation
Ren stepped through the gates of the pack’s territory as the first whispers of dawn painted the sky with soft hues of lavender and gold. The festival’s liveliness had faded into the quiet stillness of the forest, but the encounter with his mate still thrummed through his mind, each memory as vivid as if it had just happened.His wolf stirred restlessly, pacing in his thoughts. Mate. Ours. Why did we leave her?Ren clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he pushed the wolf’s complaints aside. Because it’s complicated, he replied silently. She wasn’t entirely human - his wolf had felt it - but her connection to the supernatural world was faint, as though hidden beneath layers of humanity. The bond between them was undeniable, but the implications were enormous. A human mate, even a partially wolf one, was a complication he couldn’t afford as Alpha.“Ren.” The familiar voice of his beta, Kael, broke through his thoughts. Ren glanced up to find Kael leaning casually against the gate, hi
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 5 : An Unforgettable Encounter
The morning sunlight filtered through Elena’s bedroom window, warm and golden, rousing her from a restless sleep. She stretched lazily, the soft hum of birdsong from outside filling the room. For a brief moment, she felt a sense of peace, but as soon as her mind began to wake, it went straight to him - the man from the festival.Elena sat up, her heart beating a little faster as she recalled the encounter. His piercing amber eyes, the strength of his hands as he’d steadied her, the way he’d looked at her as if he could see straight into her soul. She could still feel the spark of that touch, the jolt that had left her breathless and speechless in equal measure.She shook her head, trying to clear the memory. “Get a grip, Elena,” she muttered to herself as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. “You bumped into a handsome stranger. That’s all.”But even as she tried to dismiss it, her chest tightened. There had been something more, something she couldn’t quite put into words. And
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 6 : A Confession Over Lunch
The rest of the morning passed in a blur for Elena. After Ren left the lecture hall, she had barely been able to focus on anything else. Her mind replayed their brief conversation, the way he’d spoken to her with such calm intensity, the way his presence seemed to fill the room even after he was gone.Who is he? she wondered, her thoughts drifting as she stared blankly at her computer screen in the office she shared with two other professors. Ren’s appearance in her class had been unexpected, almost surreal, like something out of a dream. He hadn’t been a student- that much was clear. But then why had he come? And why did he seem so interested in her?A soft chime from her phone broke her reverie. She glanced at the screen, seeing a message from Sara.Sara: Lunch? I’m starving, and I need to rant about my charming coworker.Elena: Sure. Usual place?Sara: You know it. See you in 15!Grateful for the distraction, Elena grabbed her things and headed out. The crisp autumn air was refresh
Latest chapter
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 25 : Comfort in the Night
Elena’s Point of ViewThe room was quiet and serene as Elena prepared for bed, but her mind was anything but calm. The events of the night churned in her thoughts, vivid flashes of snarling wolves and panicked screams replaying behind her closed eyes.She changed into a soft, oversized t-shirt and shorts, brushing her hair as she glanced at the window. The moon hung high in the sky, its light casting a pale glow over the forest beyond. It was beautiful, but it did little to soothe her nerves.Elena climbed into the plush bed, the comforter soft and inviting against her skin. She tried to focus on the warmth of the room, the faint crackle of a distant fireplace, the feeling of safety Ren’s presence brought.But as her eyes drifted closed, the shadows of her fears crept in.The dream came suddenly and vividly, as if she were back in the chaos of the town.The wolves were everywhere, their massive forms tearing through the streets, their growls and snarls echoing in the night. People scr
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 24 : Arrival at the Ren's House
Elena’s Point of ViewThe car rumbled quietly as it made its way deeper into the woods, the winding roads shrouded in darkness. The headlights cast eerie shadows across the trees, their gnarled branches stretching toward the sky like skeletal hands.Elena leaned her head against the window, her breath fogging the glass as she tried to calm her racing thoughts. The events of the night replayed in her mind like a disjointed dream - massive wolves terrorizing the town, Ren appearing out of nowhere to save her, and now this : leaving everything behind to stay at his home, wherever that was.She stole a glance at him. Ren’s hands gripped the wheel with a steady confidence, his expression unreadable in the dim light. His shirtless torso was still bare, the faint scratches on his chest a stark reminder of the battle he’d fought to protect her.Her eyes lingered for a moment longer than she intended. Despite everything - the fear, the confusion - there was something about him that made her fe
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 23: A Safe Haven
Elena’s Point of ViewRen raised an eyebrow at Sara’s outburst, clearly amused, but he didn’t take the bait. Instead, he turned to Elena, his expression shifting to something more serious - something that made her chest tighten.“You’re safe for now,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with concern. “But it won’t stay that way. You need to pack a bag - essentials for the next week. You’re coming with me.”Elena blinked, her heart skipping a beat. “What? Why?”“Because it’s not safe here,” Ren said, his tone firm. “Not after what happened tonight. If those wolves come back - and they might - I need to know you’re protected. My house is secure. You’ll be safe there.”Sara, still standing near the door, looked between them, her eyes wide. “Wait, hold on. You’re just going to leave? Like, right now?”Ren turned to her, his expression softening slightly. “You can come with us if you want. It’s your choice. But if you stay here, you need to be with your family. Make sure they’re okay.”Sa
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 22 : Revelations and Reactions
Elena’s Point of ViewThe night seemed endless as Elena and Sara ran through the streets, the chaos of the wolf attack still ringing in their ears. Every shadow felt alive, every distant sound a potential threat. Ren moved silently beside them, his massive wolf form a protective shadow, keeping pace with ease.By the time they reached Elena’s house, her lungs burned, and her heart was pounding. Sara practically threw herself through the door, slamming it shut and locking it behind them.“What the hell was that?” Sara yelled, her voice trembling as she spun to face Elena. Her wide eyes darted around the room, as if expecting another wolf to burst through the windows at any moment.Elena leaned against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Her mind was spinning, but a strange calm had settled over her, like a storm she couldn’t quite explain. “I don’t know,” she lied, her voice quieter than she expected.Sara’s hands shook as she clutched the doorknob. “Wolves? In the middle of town? Ar
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 21 : Wolves in Town
Elena' s POV The cool night air wrapped around Elena and Sara as they stepped out of the bar, the echo of laughter and music fading behind them. Elena’s cheeks were warm from the cocktails, her spirits lifted by the evening spent with her best friend.“I’m telling you,” Sara said, waving her hands animatedly as they walked down the cobblestone street. “Ben’s going to ask me out. It’s just a matter of time.”Elena chuckled, her own thoughts drifting to Ren. She hadn’t heard from him since their date, but she wasn’t worried. Something about the connection they shared made her feel certain that he’d reach out soon.The sound of distant shouts snapped her out of her reverie. She stopped mid-step, her brow furrowing as she turned toward the noise.“Did you hear that?” she asked, her voice cautious.Sara paused, tilting her head. “Yeah… it sounded like-”A scream cut through the night, sharp and bloodcurdling.Both women froze, their eyes wide. The streets, once lively with people spilling
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 20 : Girls’ Night Out
Elena's POVThe soft hum of music filled Elena’s apartment as she set the table, the warm aroma of roasted vegetables and garlic bread wafting from the kitchen. Saturday nights were rare for her and Sara—time off from work was often fleeting, and they usually spent it catching up on rest or errands. But tonight was different. They had promised each other a proper night of good food, laughter, and a few drinks in town.Elena smoothed her blouse and glanced at the clock. Sara was always punctual, and right on cue, there was a knock at the door.“El!” Sara’s cheerful voice called as Elena opened the door. “I brought wine and my charming presence. You’re welcome.”Elena laughed, stepping aside to let her in. “Perfect timing. Dinner’s almost ready.”Sara breezed into the kitchen, setting the bottle of wine on the counter and eyeing the spread on the table. “Look at you, going all out. Is this for me, or are you practicing for someone special?”Elena rolled her eyes, though a faint blush cr
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 19 : Trouble on the Horizon
Ren’s Point of ViewRen stood at the edge of the pack’s northern border, the cold wind biting against his skin as he surveyed the dense forest beyond. The warriors stationed here had reported movement - a flicker of shadows, the sound of snapping branches - but so far, no concrete threat had emerged.His beta, Kael, approached from the treeline, his expression grim. “Nothing definitive,” Kael said. “Whoever - or whatever - it is, they’re careful. They know how to stay out of sight.”Ren nodded, his jaw tightening. “But they’re close enough to make a statement.”Kael grunted in agreement, his gaze sweeping the horizon. “It’s like they’re testing us, pushing to see how far they can go before we react.”Ren’s wolf growled softly in the back of his mind, restless and uneasy. We’re being watched.“I don’t like it,” Ren admitted, his voice low. “Keep the patrols tight. No one crosses the border without our knowing.”Kael nodded. “Already on it. But there’s something else you need to know.”
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 18 : The Edge of Control
Ren’s Point of ViewRen leaned against the doorframe of Elena’s apartment, watching her laugh softly as she cleared the empty takeout containers from the coffee table. Her movements were effortless, her smile lighting up the room in a way that left him spellbound.His wolf was silent, for once not pacing or growling. Instead, it purred in satisfaction, its voice warm and approving in his mind. Finally. You didn’t screw it up.Ren chuckled softly, earning a curious glance from Elena. He shook his head, brushing it off, but his wolf wasn’t wrong. The kiss they’d shared had been everything he didn’t know he’d been waiting for - intense, electric, and utterly consuming.She’s ours, his wolf murmured, its tone dripping with contentment. No more waiting, no more hesitation. She’s meant to be with us.Not yet, Ren reminded it, though the words felt weaker now than they had before.Elena returned to the couch, her smile soft and shy as she sat beside him. “You seem lost in thought,” she said,
Love Under Blood Moon Chapter 17 : An Unexpected Invitation
Elena’s Point of ViewThe night air was cool and crisp, the stars scattered like diamonds across the sky. They walked slowly, side by side, their footsteps echoing softly against the quiet campus.Elena stole a glance at Ren, her heart beating a little faster each time his shoulder brushed hers. There was something about the way he carried himself - calm yet commanding, quiet yet intense - that made her both comfortable and exhilarated in his presence.When they reached the campus gates, she stopped, turning to face him. Her breath hitched slightly as their eyes met, his gaze warm and unwavering.“Thank you for tonight, Ren,” she said softly, her lips curving into a small smile. “I had a wonderful time.”“So did I,” he replied, his voice low and sincere.For a moment, they stood there, the world around them fading into the background. The quiet hum of the street, the rustle of leaves in the breeze - it all felt distant compared to the magnetic pull between them.Elena hesitated, her h
