Losing Control

Chapter 6

We had returned to Saxton's home. Felix and Eldric remained outside, guarding our surroundings while Saxton and I entered. The air inside was warm and musty, carrying notes of pine and woodsmoke.

Saxton moved around the house with purpose, his footsteps light yet urgent. I sank onto the plush couch, my mind still reeling from the events of the day. Despite being in the safety of Saxton's home, a sense of unease lingered within me, a nagging feeling that something or someone was out there, watching and waiting for their chance to strike. But why? What did they want from me?

The thought that it could be the same people who took my parents from me sent a shiver down my spine. The memory of seeing my mom lying on the ground, on the verge of being lifeless and betrayed, flooded my mind. I had never done anything to anyone to deserve this kind of attention. Or maybe I had, and I just didn't know it. My thoughts churned with fear and confusion as I waited for Saxton to return with whatever he needed so we could leave this place behind.

Saxton appeared in the doorway. His blue eyes were stormy, the worry etching deeper lines into his rugged features. He held out a small bag to me. My brows rose in silent question, but I took it from him anyway. I opened it to find a small, silver chain and pendant resting atop a soft cloth. It was beautiful in its simplicity, an intricate knotwork design that somehow seemed familiar.

"Saxton...," I began, looking up at him with confusion clear in my eyes, but he cut me off with a wave of his hand.

"That's for protection," he explained in a hurried voice, his eyes darting back to the door. "The design is a rune—specifically for safety. It's been blessed by our pack's shaman."

I held the necklace close to my heart, hoping it would give me the strength I needed to face whatever was coming next.

The tense silence weighed heavily in the room as we waited for the dawn, Saxton pacing back and forth like a caged animal. His anxious energy filled the room, making me more nervous than I wanted to admit.

I watch Saxton as he methodically checks to make sure he has everything, his movements precise and deliberate. The air is tense, thick with the smell of rain and pine, the promise of a storm brooding in the distance. I pull my cardigan tighter around me, thankful Lila gave it to me as I left.

Suddenly, Saxton froze, his piercing gaze locked on something outside the window. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I followed his gaze. The haunting silhouette of a wolf stood just beyond the border of light cast by our porch lamp.

"Stay inside," he instructs, his voice low but firm. "The others will keep watch." He motions to the wolves that linger in the shadows, their eyes glinting like silver coins in the dim light.

I nod, understanding the gravity of his words. There's an unspoken promise there, a vow of protection that wraps around my heart like a shield. Saxton moves with a leader's grace, every step resonating with authority and purpose. Despite the fear coiling in my stomach, I know he will do everything in his power to keep the darkness at bay.

"Be careful," I whisper, my voice barely carrying over the howl of the wind that begins to pick up, rustling through the leaves with an eerie cadence.

Saxton turns to me, his blue eyes locking onto mine. In that gaze, I see the reflection of my own fears mirrored back—concern for what lies ahead, for the safety of our makeshift family. But there's something else there too, a depth of emotion that neither of us has dared to acknowledge until now.

For a moment, we stand motionless, the world narrowing down to just the two of us. His hand lifts, hesitating in the air before it gently brushes a strand of auburn hair from my face. It's a fleeting touch, but it ignites something within me—a warmth that defies the chill of the encroaching night.