Danger

The next morning, Garrick suggested we take a walk in the woods surrounding the cabin. The day was crisp and clear, the forest alive with the sounds of birds and small animals.

At first, the memories of the night before made me avoid Garrick's eyes out of embarrassment but as we hiked, a sense of peace began to settle over me. The rhythm of our footsteps, the fresh mountain air, the quiet companionship—it all felt so right, so natural. For a moment, I could almost forget the pain that had brought me here.

Climbing a steep ridge, we paused at a small clearing, taking in the breathtaking view of the valley below. Garrick stood close beside me, his warmth radiating through the cool air.

"It's beautiful," I breathed, awed by the majesty of the landscape, quickly forgetting the fatigue in my muscles and my gasping breaths.

"Yes, it is," Garrick replied, but when I glanced at him, I realized he wasn't looking at the view. His eyes were fixed on me, filled with an emotion I wasn't ready to name.

My heart raced as he took a step closer, his hand coming up to brush a strand of hair from my face. The gentleness of his touch, the intensity of his gaze—it was all too much and not enough at the same time.

"Ailith," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "I-"

But whatever he was about to say was cut off as his body suddenly tensed. His nostrils flared, and his eyes narrowed as he scanned the forest around us.

"What is it?" I asked, alarm cutting through the haze of attraction.

Garrick's expression was grim as he turned back to me. "Wolves," he said, his voice tight. "Strange ones. I just caught their scent."

Fear gripped me, icy and familiar. "Wolves? Are you sure?"

He nodded, his stance protective as he moved closer to me. "I'm sure. And they're not from my pack. The scent is... different. Aggressive."

My mind raced. Could it be Kael's hunters? Had they tracked me this far? The thought of bringing danger to Garrick's doorstep, of repaying his kindness with threat, made me sick to my stomach.

"We need to get back to the cabin," Garrick said, already guiding me back the way we'd come. His hand on the small of my back was warm and reassuring, but it did little to calm the panic rising within me.

Once we were safely inside, Garrick checked all the windows and doors while I paced the small living room, my thoughts a chaotic whirl.

"Ailith," Garrick's voice cut through my spiraling fears. "Talk to me. What's going on?"

I looked at him, seeing the concern and determination in his golden eyes. In that moment, I wanted nothing more than to throw myself into his arms, to let him shelter me from the storm of my past. But I couldn't. I couldn't drag him into my mess.

"I have to leave," I blurted out, the words tasting like ash in my mouth. "I can't stay here. I'm putting you in danger."

Garrick's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about? You're safe here, Ailith. I can protect you."

"You don't understand," I insisted, frustration and fear making my voice sharp. "Those wolves—they might be looking for me. I can't let you get caught up in my problems. It's not fair to you."

"Let me be the judge of that," Garrick argued, his tone gentle but firm. "Ailith, whatever you're running from, whatever danger you think you're in—you don't have to face it alone."

His words, so earnest and caring, nearly broke my resolve. But I shook my head, backing away from him. "You don't know what you're saying. You don't know... what I am. What I've lost. I'm not worth the risk, Garrick."

Something flashed in Garrick's eyes then—anger? determination? He closed the distance between us in two quick strides, his hands coming up to cup my face, forcing me to meet his gaze.

"Listen to me," he said, his voice low and intense. "You are worth it. Whatever you've been through, whatever you think you've lost—it doesn't change who you are. And who you are is someone I want to protect. Someone I..." he trailed off, swallowing hard before continuing. "Someone I care about."

The sincerity in his words, the warmth in his touch—it was all too much. Tears spilled down my cheeks as weeks of pent-up emotion finally broke free. Garrick pulled me into his arms, holding me close as I sobbed against his chest.

"Shh," he murmured, one hand stroking my hair. "It's okay. You're safe here. I've got you."

I don't know how long we stood like that, wrapped in each other's arms as the last light of day faded outside. When my tears finally subsided, I pulled back slightly, looking up at Garrick with red-rimmed eyes.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I just... I'm so tired of being afraid. Of feeling alone."

Garrick's thumb brushed away a stray tear. "You're not alone, Ailith. Not anymore. Stay. Let me help you. Please."

I searched his face, looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But all I saw was warmth, determination, and something deeper that made my heart race.

Slowly, I nodded. "Okay, I'll stay," I said softly even as I knew I was lying.

Relief washed over Garrick's features as he pulled me close once more. Resting my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, I felt something shift inside me. A new and devastating grief that I couldn't stay here in this idyllic piece of the world, alone with this male I had come to care for deeply. I cared for him too much to bring destruction down on his peace.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever dangers lurked in the forest beyond, I would have to face them alone. I stifled a sob as Garrick's arms tightened around me and he brushed his lips against the top of my head, vowing to soak up all the kindness and strength I could before I was once again on my own.