Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

38

Despite the constant threat from Daniel, Winter focused on his family, spending as much time as possible with Ryan and their daughter. One late night, as they lay in bed with Ryan nestled against Winter's chest and Clarity peacefully sleeping on Ryan's chest, Winter wrapped his wings around them, creating a cocoon of warmth and love.

Their peace was shattered when Winter's phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. He didn't need to look far to know it was from Daniel. The sight of the message ignited a fierce determination within him. He couldn't allow Daniel to disrupt their lives any longer.

"I have to put an end to this," Winter said, his voice tinged with a mix of anger and resolve as he got out of bed heading towards the kitchen.

Ryan's eyes filled with concern. "Winter, please, don't do anything reckless. I can't bear the thought of losing you."

Winter cupped Ryan's face gently, his eyes softening. "I won't let him hurt you or CJ. This ends tonight."

Ryan held CJ closer, his heart pounding with fear. "Promise me you'll come back."

"I promise," Winter whispered, pressing a soft but passionate kiss to Ryan's lips.

With a final, lingering look, Winter quietly left the apartment. Ryan watched him go, his heart heavy with worry. As Winter took off into the night, Ryan stood in the dark kitchen, illuminated by the moonlight, holding CJ close to his chest. He pressed a kiss to the top of his daughter's head, a quiet sob escaping his lips. The fear of Winter not making it back home was almost too much to bear.

Outside, the night was cool, and the moonlight guided Winter as he took off into the sky, his wings a shadow against the stars. He flew with purpose, determination fueling his every beat. The rendezvous point was a desolate alley, fitting for the confrontation that was about to unfold.

Daniel was already there, his eyes gleaming with a sick satisfaction. "I knew you'd come," he sneered.

"I'm ending this tonight, Daniel," Winter said, his voice steady. "No more games. No more experiments. Leave me and my family alone."

Daniel laughed, a hollow, chilling sound. "You think you can just walk away? You're mine, Winter. You always have been."

The fight began with a flurry of blows, Daniel striking first. Winter fought back, defending himself with a ferocity born from the need to protect his loved ones. The clash was intense, both men drawing on reserves of anger and pain. But Winter was fighting not just for himself, but for Ryan and CJ, and that gave him strength.

Yet, Daniel had one more trick up his sleeve. Literally. With a swift, practiced motion, he pulled a sharp piece of glass from his sleeve and thrust it into Winter's stomach.

Desperate, Winter reached for his phone, his fingers trembling as he managed to dial Ryan's number. The call connected, and he could hear Ryan's frantic voice on the other end.

"Winter? Winter, where are you?"

"Ryan..." Winter's voice was weak, but he forced the words out. "Warehouse... outskirts... I love you."

"Hold on, Winter. We're coming. Just hold on," Ryan's voice cracked with emotion.

Winter dropped the phone, his strength fading. He collapsed onto the cold concrete floor, his thoughts consumed with his family. He couldn't let it end like this. Not when he had so much to fight for.

Back at the apartment, Ryan handed Clarity to River, who had rushed over as soon as he heard the commotion. Wyatt was already grabbing keys and preparing to drive. The urgency in the room was palpable, everyone focused on one goal: saving Winter.

As they sped towards the warehouse, Ryan's mind raced. He couldn't lose Winter, not now, not ever. The thought of their future, of raising Clarity together, gave him a renewed sense of determination.

They arrived at the warehouse, the car screeching to a halt. Ryan and Wyatt rushed inside, River close behind them. They found Winter lying on the ground, blood pooling around him. Ryan fell to his knees beside him, tears streaming down his face.

"Winter, stay with me," Ryan pleaded, pressing his hands against the wound to stem the bleeding. "We're here. You're going to be okay."

"Ryan..." Winter's voice was weak, pain lacing every word. "I... I love you. Take care of CJ."

"Winter, no! Stay with me!" Ryan's voice broke with desperation.

But Winter's vision was fading, darkness closing in. His last thought was of Ryan and Clarity, their faces etched in his mind as he succumbed to unconsciousness.

The paramedics arrived, quickly taking over and stabilizing Winter before rushing him to the hospital.

~

Hours later, Ryan sat by Winter's bedside, holding his hand. The doctors had managed to save him, but the road to recovery would be long. Ryan was just grateful Winter was alive.

Winter's eyes opened slowly, and he looked at Ryan, his gaze filled with love and relief. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"Shh, don't apologize," Ryan replied softly, brushing a stray hair from Winter's forehead. "You did what you had to do. Now, focus on getting better. We need you, Winter. Clarity needs you."

Winter nodded, squeezing Ryan's hand weakly. "I love you."

"I love you too," Ryan said, leaning down to kiss Winter's forehead. "And we're going to get through this together."

As Winter drifted back to sleep, Ryan sat by his side, a sense of peace washing over him. They had faced unimaginable challenges, but their love had endured. And now, with their daughter in their lives, they had a future filled with hope and possibility.