Little witch

Protection

Titus POV

The past few days had been a whirlwind of meetings, pack duties, and catching up on everything I'd let slide. Being Alpha of the largest pack in North America came with its own set of responsibilities, and I'd spent the time efficiently, putting out fires and making sure everything ran smoothly. Yet, despite my focus on work, my thoughts kept circling back to Adeline.

I had managed to find out a bit more about her—just enough to know that her past was more troubled than I initially realized. The fact that her coven had burned down when she was just sixteen was a piece of the puzzle I needed to understand. I knew she was hesitant to open up, and I wanted to make sure I approached the topic with sensitivity.

One thing I couldn't shake was the worry I felt every time I thought about her on my bike. While I had enjoyed the sensation of her bare thighs pressed against me, the reality was that she needed proper gear. I couldn't risk her getting hurt, not when I felt so strongly about her.

So, I had taken the liberty of ordering a full set of gear for her—everything from a helmet to a padded jacket and protective pants. It wasn't the most subtle gesture, but I hoped she'd understand it was a matter of safety, not just me being overly cautious.

I arrived at the diner just as Adeline's shift was ending. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the parking lot. I parked my bike and waited, my hands resting on the handlebars as I watched her through the window. She was chatting with a few of the remaining staff, her smile seeming genuine despite the exhaustion in her eyes.

As soon as she stepped outside, I approached her, the gear bag slung over my shoulder. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw me, and I could see her hesitation.

"Hey," I greeted her, trying to keep my tone casual. "I thought I'd drop by and give you something."

She glanced at the bag, then back at me, a hint of wariness in her expression. "What's all this?"

I grinned, trying to ease the tension. "I figured you might need some proper riding gear. Safety first, right?"

Adeline's brows furrowed, and she looked down at the bag, clearly conflicted. "You didn't have to—"

"I wanted to," I interrupted gently. "It's important. Please, just try it on."

Reluctantly, she took the bag and headed toward the diner's staff room to change. I waited outside, trying to keep my nerves in check. My wolf was pacing, eager to be near her, but I had to keep my focus on the task at hand.

After what felt like an eternity, Adeline emerged, now clad in the gear. The helmet looked a bit large on her, and the padded jacket made her look even smaller, but she was safe, and that was what mattered.

I smiled as she approached. "You look great. Let's get you on the bike."

She hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the helmet strap. "Are you sure this is necessary?"

"Yes," I said firmly. "I don't want you getting hurt. Now, come here."

I stepped forward and carefully adjusted her helmet, making sure it fit properly before closing the visor. My fingers brushed against her face as I worked, and the contact sent a jolt through me, making my heart race.

Once the helmet was secure, I gently lifted her by the waist, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. She let out a soft gasp as I picked her up, but I made sure to be as gentle as possible. With her safely seated on the bike, I adjusted her position and gave her a reassuring smile.

"All set," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Ready for a ride?"

She nodded, her eyes wide but not as apprehensive as before. "Yeah, I'm ready."

I climbed onto the bike and started the engine, the familiar rumble a comforting sound. I felt Adeline's grip on my waist tighten slightly as we took off, but she seemed more at ease with the gear in place. As we cruised down the road, I could sense her adjusting to the ride, and the tension between us began to shift into something more comfortable.

The ride was smooth, and I used the time to think about how best to approach the conversation about her past. I wanted to be respectful and understanding, not pushy. I knew she had been through a lot, and I needed to make sure she knew she could trust me.

When we finally reached a quiet spot away from the bustling streets, I slowed the bike and pulled over. I turned to face her, my expression serious but gentle.

"We need to talk," I said, my voice steady. "About your past. I want to understand what you've been through and how I can help."

Adeline looked at me, her eyes reflecting a mix of uncertainty and resolve. "Alright," she said softly. "I'll tell you what I can."

I nodded, feeling a surge of relief mixed with anticipation. It was time to confront the past and see where our future might lead.