Chapter 5: A New Beginning

Ryan's POV

Her eyes slowly opened, and I was surprised by how bright the blue was. Her face was clouded by bewilderment as she glanced at me for a time.

"Where am I, exactly?" Her voice was rough and feeble as she whispered.

I spoke calmly as I leaned in closer. "You're secure. The river was where you were. I dragged you here after pulling you out.

Her face furrowed as though she were attempting to recall something, and she blinked. Her eyes were a mixture of fear and confusion when they locked with mine.

She questioned, "Who are you?"

"My name is Ryan. I whispered softly, "I am the Alpha of this pack. "You shouldn't be concerned. Nobody here is going to harm you.

Glancing around the room, she took in her surroundings. Her hands were firmly gripping the blanket, and I could see the tightness in her body. I was concerned that she didn't appear to recall anything. It was different to witness memory loss than to have Clara warn me about it.

"What's your name?" In an attempt to hold her attention, I inquired.

She opened her mouth, but said nothing. She paused for a long moment before shaking her head. "I'm not sure," she muttered, her voice cracking a little.

Her tone of grief struck me more strongly than I had anticipated. She felt lost, no matter who she was or what had happened to her. Despite not knowing why, I wanted to assist her.

"That's alright," I muttered. "You've experienced a lot. We'll sort things out, but it might take some time.

She looked into my eyes as though she was unsure whether or not to believe me. After a while, she leaned back against the pillows and gave a small nod.

The days that followed were calm. She recovered her strength and remained in bed. Clara came by frequently to see how she was doing and to make sure she was recovering well. I visited her whenever I could, either to sit with her or to deliver food. I didn't press her, but she didn't say much. She was clearly still taking things in.

She was sitting up for the first time one afternoon. She had a detached expression as she gazed out the window.

I commented as I entered the room, "You look better."

She smiled slightly as she turned to face me. Something inside of me changed when I saw her grin for the first time.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "For everything." If you hadn't discovered me, I'm not sure what would have happened.

I said, "You don't have to thank me." "I took the usual action."

She glanced down at her hands as her smile dimmed. She said, "Not everyone would risk their life for a stranger."

She was correct, but I was at a loss as to why I had done it. I had been captivated by her from the first minute I laid eyes on her. Neither then nor now could I let her go.

She gained the strength to move around the house by the end of the week. One morning, I discovered her sitting on a flower-filled bench in the backyard. Her hair glistened like a halo as the sunlight struck it. Even though she appeared calm, her eyes were still sorrowful.

"Will you mind if I join?" I walked over and inquired.

I took a seat next to her when she shook her head. We sat quietly for a while, enjoying the sound of the breeze rustling through the trees. There was a quiet that was comforting and didn't require filling.

At last, she remarked softly, "This place is beautiful." "It feels safe."

"That's the idea," I answered, grinning a little. "The pack puts a lot of effort into maintaining that."

Her eyes flickered with intrigue as she gazed at me. "Does your pack follow you? Have faith in you?

"Yes," I replied plainly. "It is my responsibility to protect them, and they are aware that I will stop at nothing to ensure their safety."

She looked back at the flowers after nodding. There must be a great deal of responsibility there.

"It is," I acknowledged. However, it's worthwhile. They are my relatives.

Her face became contemplative, and I pondered what was on her thoughts. Did she live somewhere with family? Did they want to find her? Or had she been left on her own, abandoned?

I was in my office later that day when Thomas came up to me. He appeared worried, which was normal.

"We need to talk, Ryan," he said.

"What is it?" I put down the papers I had been reading and inquired.

"It's about her," he stated cautiously. "The woman you returned with." The pack is beginning to inquire.

I scowled. "What sort of inquiries?"

They are curious about her background and identity. A few of them fear she could pose a threat.

"She poses no threat," I asserted.

Thomas let out a sigh. "We don't know anything about her, but I know you think that. By keeping her here, you are endangering the pack.

My hands were balled into fists as I stood. I remarked, "She's not going anywhere." "I'm not going to abandon her; she needs our assistance."

After hesitating, Thomas nodded. "All right. But Ryan, you must exercise caution. Although the pack has a lot of faith in you, it is not unwavering.

I understood his reasoning and nodded. I couldn't disregard my pack's worries, but I would stop at nothing to keep her safe. It would be difficult to strike a balance between the two, but I was prepared to take on the challenge.

I discovered her at the library that night. She had an open book on her lap while seated in a big chair. When I walked in, she looked up, her eyes warming at my presence.

"You enjoy reading?" I leaned against the doorframe and inquired.

"I believe so," she remarked, grinning slightly. "It reminds me of something I used to do."

I moved to the chair across from her and took a seat. "Is there anything else you recall?" Gently, I inquired.

She gave a headshake. "Not just yet. There are moments when I feel as though I can't quite reach something.

"It will return," I responded. "All you need is time."

Her demeanor was solemn as she gazed at me. Why do you treat me with such kindness? You're not even familiar with me.

I paused, trying to find the appropriate words. At last, I responded, "Because everyone deserves a chance." "And because I believe you have a purpose for being here."

Despite a small widening of her gaze, she remained silent. Rather, she put the book aside and closed it. "Thank you," she said quietly. "For everything."

I got up and nodded. "Take a nap. There is a new day tomorrow.