CHAPTER 6: I'M HERE WITH YOU

The scent of roasted garlic and rosemary filled the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of the apple pie cooling on the counter. I had spent the afternoon preparing a feast fit for a king, or at least, for my alpha. He was due back any minute, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation in my chest.

The incident with the peanuts had been a wake-up call. It wasn't just about the nuts, it was about the vulnerability they exposed. The alpha, ever vigilant, had taken it upon himself to ensure our safety, even if it meant being a bit overprotective. I couldn't blame him. We were a pack, and his responsibility extended to every member, young and old.

The thought of the young ones, their innocent eyes filled with fear after the intrusion, tugged at my heart. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of our world. The humans, with their insatiable curiosity and thirst for power, had crossed a line, and the consequences were dire.

I glanced at the clock, the hands ticking away with an unnerving urgency. The alpha was late. Maybe he was caught up in a meeting with the elders, discussing the next steps. Or perhaps he was out on patrol, ensuring the perimeter was secure. Whatever the reason, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease.

With a sigh, I decided to take a break from the kitchen. The warmth of the fireplace beckoned, and I settled into a plush armchair, a book in my hand. The words blurred before my eyes, my mind drifting to the alpha. I missed his presence, his strong scent, his reassuring touch. He was more than just my alpha, he was my mate, my rock, my everything.

Time seemed to slip away, and I must have dozed off. When I awoke, the book lay open on the table, a testament to my slumber. The aroma of the food had faded, replaced by a chill that sent a shiver down my spine. I had fallen asleep, completely oblivious to the world around me.

I stood up, my muscles protesting the sudden movement. The silence was deafening, broken only by the crackling fire. I walked towards the dining area, my steps hesitant, my senses on high alert. The food was still untouched, the warmth of the oven long gone. I reached out, my fingers brushing against the cold porcelain of the serving dish.

"Aurora?"

The voice, deep and familiar, sent a jolt through me. I whirled around, my heart pounding in my chest. There he stood, silhouetted against the doorway, his eyes searching mine. The alpha. He was back.

"You're back," I breathed, a wave of relief washing over me.

He nodded, his gaze lingering on my face. "I apologize for the delay. The council meeting ran longer than expected."

"It's alright," I said, trying to mask the disappointment in my voice. "I was just about to reheat the food."

He stepped closer, his scent, a mix of woodsmoke and musk, enveloping me. "Let me help you with that," he said, his voice husky.

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. We moved towards the kitchen, his presence a comforting weight beside me. As we worked, the silence between us was filled with unspoken words, a symphony of emotions that only two souls intertwined could understand.

"I'm glad you're back," I said, finally breaking the silence. "I was worried."

He smiled, a rare and precious sight. "I'm always back, Aurora. You know that."

His words were a balm to my soul. I knew he was right. He was always there, even when he was physically absent. Our bond was unbreakable, forged in the fires of loyalty and love.

"I was thinking about the incident," I said, my voice soft. "The intruders. They were so bold, so brazen."

He nodded, his gaze hardening. "They crossed a line. We will not tolerate such transgressions."

"But why them?" I asked, my voice laced with confusion. "Why did they choose to attack our territory?"

He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "It's a long story, Aurora. A story of greed and ambition, of power and betrayal."

"Tell me," I pleaded, my curiosity piqued. "I want to understand."

He hesitated, his eyes searching mine. "It's not easy to explain," he said finally. "But I will try."

He began to speak, his voice low and measured, recounting the history of our people, the conflict that had simmered for generations. He spoke of the humans' insatiable desire for our land, their hunger for power, their relentless pursuit of dominance. He spoke of the sacrifices made, the battles fought, the lives lost.

As he spoke, I felt a surge of pride for my people, for our strength, our resilience, our unwavering loyalty. I understood now, the weight of his responsibility, the burden he carried. He was not just the alpha, he was the protector, the guardian of our legacy.

"We will not let them win," he said, his voice filled with resolve. "We will defend our home, our families, our way of life."

I nodded, my heart swelling with admiration. He was a warrior, a leader, a man of unwavering courage. And I was his mate, his partner, his confidante. Together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"I'm here with you," I said, my voice firm. "Always."

He smiled, a genuine smile that lit up his face like a beacon of hope. "Thank you, Aurora," he said, his voice husky with emotion. "Thank you for being here."

He reached out, his fingers brushing against mine. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down my spine, a reminder of the powerful bond that connected us. In that moment, I knew, with absolute certainty, that we were meant to be together, forever.

The food, now warm and fragrant, filled the air with a comforting aroma. We sat down to eat, our conversation flowing easily, punctuated by laughter and shared glances. The world outside could wait. For now, there was only us, our bond, our shared destiny.