Alphas Ruby

New memories made.

As the first light of dawn crept through the hospital blinds, Jackson stirred, feeling Ruby's warmth still nestled against him. He tightened his arms around her, careful not to disturb her. She had woken up a few times during the night, still restless from the trauma she had endured, but each time, Jackson had gently rubbed her back until she drifted off again. Now, in the soft morning light, she slept more peacefully.

Aiden and Cole quietly opened the door, peeking in to check on their friend. Jackson was still lying in the bed, his arms wrapped protectively around Ruby, both of them lost in much-needed rest. Cole glanced at Aiden and nodded silently. They stepped back out, leaving the two to their peaceful slumber.

Outside the room, Cole ran a hand through his hair. "I'll be back later if they need anything," he said softly, glancing back toward the closed door. Aiden gave him a firm nod, understanding the weight of what had transpired.

Inside the room, Jackson stirred again, feeling Ruby shift slightly in his arms. His eyes fluttered open, and he blinked, slowly realizing the peaceful moment they were in. As he looked down at Ruby, still sleeping soundly in his embrace, tears welled up in his eyes. Gently, he pressed his lips to her forehead, letting the kiss linger, filled with emotion.

His gaze traced over the parts of her that Silas had touched, bruised, and broken. Jackson's heart clenched at the sight of the faint bruises still marking her skin, the physical reminders of the horror she had been through. His wolf growled low in his chest, a mixture of anger and protectiveness. We will fix this, he thought, a vow to himself and his wolf. He would heal the wounds Silas had inflicted, in any way he could.

Jackson let out a breath, closing his eyes as he mind-linked with Aiden. Did we get them in cells?

Aiden responded quickly, his voice calm but sharp. All in. Iam here, overseeing everything. As for Silas...Aiden hesitated for a second, then continued. Well, you had smashed his face to a pulp, so...no. There's nothing left of him.

Jackson exhaled slowly, a sense of grim satisfaction washing over him. Silas was gone. The threat that had haunted Ruby, that had hurt her so deeply, was no more. Still, the rage inside him hadn't fully quieted. He looked back down at Ruby, tracing his fingertips over her arm, where the faint marks of Silas's rough hands remained. Jackson's heart ached, but with each touch, he felt his resolve harden. He would make sure she never had to feel that kind of pain again.

He kissed her forehead once more, silently promising her that he would always protect her. Even if it meant tearing the world apart for her.

Ruby stirred, feeling the warmth of Jackson's arms wrapped tightly around her. Her mind raced, a whirlwind of emotions crashing down all at once. Fear, confusion, anger—but there was also a strange sense of comfort in his presence. Jackson had broken something between them, but she could see he was trying, genuinely trying, to piece it back together. 

Jackson noticed she was awake and gently stroked her arm, offering her a soft, comforting smile. Ruby's voice was hoarse when she finally spoke. "Can I talk to Mr. Wolfie?"

Jackson blinked, a little confused. "Who?"

She hesitated before continuing. "I don't know his name but... your wolf side. I guess."

Jackson chuckled lightly. "Oh, you mean Shadow."

Inside his mind, Shadow beamed with pride. She asked for me... by Mr. Wolfie. His voice rumbled with a mix of annoyance and happiness, clearly not a fan of the nickname but still thrilled to be summoned.