Little witch

Unspoken truths

Adeline's POV

The bike came to a gentle stop, and I felt the engine's rumble beneath me subside. Titus turned to me with a serious expression, the soft glow of the setting sun casting shadows over his face. The calm, open expression he wore was reassuring, but my anxiety was far from dissipated.

He helped me off the bike, and I followed him to a nearby bench. The area was quiet, the only sounds being the distant hum of traffic and the occasional rustling of leaves in the breeze. Titus motioned for me to sit, and I complied, my hands gripping the edges of my jacket as I tried to steady my nerves.

"I wanted to talk about why you came into town," Titus began, his voice calm and steady. "And about the fire. You don't have to tell me everything, but I need to understand what happened."

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. This was the moment I'd been dreading—revealing my past to someone who might not react well. My experience with wolves had been anything but kind, and I wasn't sure if Titus was different. The fear of being attacked or cast out was a constant shadow in my mind.

"It's okay," Titus said softly, sensing my hesitation. "Take your time."

I nodded, trying to quell the rising panic. "The fire happened when I was sixteen," I started, my voice trembling slightly. "It was my coven's home. We were attacked by wolves—wolves that were... well, not friendly."

Titus's expression remained neutral, but his eyes were focused, attentive. "I'm sorry," he said. "I know that must have been difficult. What happened after that?"

I swallowed hard, trying to push past the painful memories. "After the fire, I was on my own. I didn't have anywhere to go, so I started traveling. I didn't stay in one place for too long because I was afraid of being found or... attacked again. I ended up on the West Coast, and eventually made my way here."

Titus's gaze was steady, and his silence was oddly comforting. He didn't interrupt or react with hostility, which was a relief. I could sense that he was genuinely listening, and it helped calm some of my nerves.

"Why did you come here, specifically?" Titus asked, his tone gentle. "Was it just a matter of needing a new place, or was there something else?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I guess I was just looking for a fresh start. I didn't have any particular place in mind, but... I ended up here. I didn't expect to stay for long. I just needed somewhere safe, even if I wasn't sure how safe it would be."

Titus nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. I'm glad you found this place, though I wish it hadn't been under such circumstances."

I could feel the weight of his words, and while it didn't erase the fear I felt, it was a small comfort. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble," I said quickly. "I didn't know how things worked around here. I just wanted to keep to myself."

"You haven't caused any trouble," Titus assured me. "We just needed to make sure everything was clear. The pack's territory is important, and while we respect people's privacy, we need to ensure everyone's safety."

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "Thank you for understanding. I know it's not easy to hear this kind of thing."

Titus smiled, a genuine, warm smile that eased some of the tension in my shoulders. "It's part of my role as Alpha to understand and protect those within our territory. I want to make sure you feel safe here."

His words were reassuring, and I could sense a sincerity in him that I hadn't expected. It was a stark contrast to the hostility I'd encountered before. Still, I knew that trusting someone fully would take time.

"Thanks," I said quietly. "I appreciate it."

Titus stood, offering me a hand to help me up. "Let's head back. I'll walk you to your motel. If you need anything or have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."

As we walked back toward the bike, the earlier tension seemed to have eased. The conversation had been difficult, but Titus's calm demeanor and genuine interest made me feel a bit more at ease. I wasn't entirely sure what the future held, but for now, it seemed like I might have found a place where I could start over without fear of immediate danger.

And that, for now, was a small but significant victory.