The fire crackled merrily in the den's central hearth, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls. Silas watched Hazel from across the room, a strange sense of protectiveness washing over him.
Exhaustion had finally claimed her. Curled up on a thick fur rug near the fireplace, her breathing fell into a soft rhythm. The events of the night still seemed etched on her face – a mix of fear and relief.
Her wolf tail, the color of burnished copper, lay curled possessively around her legs. The mask, once a symbol of mystery, now sat askew on her head, revealing a few stray strands of fiery hair.
A small smile tugged at Silas' lips. Despite the danger, there was an undeniable sweetness to the sight.
He rose and crossed the room, his movements soft and silent. He knelt beside her, the warmth of the fire radiating on his face. He noticed a slight tremor in her hand, a lingering echo of the night's terror.
Hesitantly, he reached out and gently placed a reassuring paw on hers. Her eyes fluttered open, surprise and then gratitude filling them as she looked up at him.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice husky with sleep.
"For what?"
"For saving me," she said, her voice barely a murmur. "And for letting me stay."
Silas felt a warmth bloom in his chest, a feeling quite different from the familiar possessiveness of an Alpha. He simply nodded, unable to articulate the emotions swirling within him.
"You're safe now," he finally said, his voice a low rumble. "Rest."
With a grateful smile, Hazel closed her eyes once more, her hand finding comfort in his warm fur. As the fire continued to crackle, and the embers glowed, Silas settled in beside her, a silent promise of protection hanging heavy in the air.
He wasn't sure what the future held, or what secrets Hazel's book might reveal. But for now, in the warmth of the den, with the woman with the wolf spirit sleeping peacefully by his side, a sense of hope flickered within him. Maybe, just maybe, this unexpected encounter was the start of something extraordinary.
YOU ARE READING
Silas' mate
RomanceSilas, an alpha werewolf burdened by the weight of leadership, felt an emptiness no amount of responsibility could fill. Legends spoke of soulmates, a mate destined for every werewolf, and Silas yearned for his. Years of searching, countless faces...
