Alphas Ruby

Waterfall Fun

Jackson woke up to the warmth of Ruby still curled into him, her soft breathing and little sounds filling the quiet room. He was reluctant to move, his fingers gently brushing her hair from her face, just savoring the peaceful moment. But his tranquility was interrupted by Aiden's mind link. 

Hey, your truck's gone—everything okay?

Jackson growled internally, mind-linking back with irritation. Some people have a private life... and for your information, I parked in the garage.

Aiden, ever the curious one, almost pried further but stopped himself. Well, okay then. Just wanted to let you know the guys are getting an early start on the patio, finishing it next Sunday. Also, Erik's scheduled a meeting for me and his beta to coordinate the skirmish rules. He suggested adding in other packs to make it more fun.

Jackson was about to respond when he felt Ruby stir softly beside him, murmuring his name faintly. He focused for one more moment on Aiden. Good. Now today, don't bother me unless it's an emergency.

He turned his attention back to Ruby, kissing her cheek gently. "Hey, beautiful."

Ruby turned toward him, her sleepy eyes meeting his as she kissed his lips softly. "Am I dreaming? Pinch me, please."

Jackson chuckled and playfully pinched her side. "Not dreaming."

Ruby's smile faltered slightly as she gathered her thoughts, her nerves showing as she bit her lower lip. "Can we talk? I mean, about last night?"

Jackson nodded, sensing the weight of her hesitation, his heart tightening a little as he waited for her to speak. Ruby took a deep breath, clearly nervous as the words started to pour out, her emotions bubbling to the surface.

"It was amazing... last night, I mean. But I'm scared, Jackson. I'm scared to—" she paused, searching for the right words, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of the blanket. "Scared to fall for you, like I'm already falling. And it's not you, it's just... hard for me to accept that someone like you—Mr. Perfect—waltzed into my life, and you're real. It's not a dream. I just— I'm scared that if you find someone better, you'll leave. I don't know if I can handle that."

Her voice trembled slightly, her vulnerability laid bare. Jackson felt his heart swell at her honesty. He cupped her face gently, making sure she saw the sincerity in his eyes.

"Ruby, listen to me." His voice was low, filled with warmth. "You are the only one I want. I don't care about 'better'—there's no one else like you. You're real, you're here, and I'm not going anywhere. Last night wasn't just about a moment, it was about us. I'm not just in this for something fleeting. You make me feel alive in ways I haven't felt in a long time, and I'm not walking away from that. Falling for you? Ruby, I'm already there."

He leaned in, kissing her softly again before pulling back just enough to look her in the eyes, his hand still cradling her face. "You don't need to be scared of me leaving. I'm right here, and I'm staying right here as long as you'll have me. We'll take this slow if you need, or fast if that's what you want, but I promise you, there's nothing out there that's going to make me want anyone but you." 

Tears welled up in Ruby's eyes, her heart pounding in her chest as she realized how true his words felt. "I... I don't know what to say."

Jackson smiled, brushing his thumb along her cheek as he wiped a falling tear away. "You don't have to say anything. Just let me prove it to you, every day."

Ruby's lips quivered before she leaned in and kissed him deeply, feeling the weight of her fears start to lift as Jackson's love wrapped around her like a warm, comforting blanket. She had no more words, just the feeling of being seen, cherished, and finally safe in his arms.