His Delicate Love

5

Annie lay motionless on the ground, her body drenched from the rain that had softened to a gentle patter overnight. Her breath was shallow, and the exhaustion from her desperate run had finally claimed her, causing her to collapse. Mud clung to her clothes, her black wavy hair plastered to her face, but she was oblivious to the world around her.

In the soft morning light, a group of wolves approached, their massive forms moving silently through the forest. Their fur was dark and slick with rain, their eyes sharp and alert. They were warriors of Windhallow, patrolling the edge of their territory. The leader of the group, a large black wolf with intelligent dark eyes, was the first to notice Annie's unconscious form lying on the ground. He signaled to the others with a quick growl, and they approached cautiously.

One of the wolves sniffed her carefully, circling around her prone body. "An omega," he muttered, his voice a low growl as he lifted his head to look at the others.

A smaller gray wolf beside him growled, his ears flattening back. "Should we bring her to the clan?" His tone was uncertain, as if wary of bringing a stranger into their borders, especially an omega from another clan.

The leader of the group, the black wolf, moved closer. He sniffed Annie thoroughly, his nose brushing against her damp skin, searching for any familiar scents. A lingering scent hit his nose but he ignored it. After a long pause, he spoke, his deep voice decisive. "She's from Blackridge. An alliance. They were attacked recently—she's seeking refuge." His dark eyes flickered with thought before he continued. "We should bring her to our Alpha. Let him decide."

There was a moment of silence as the others processed his words. One by one, the wolves nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of aiding an ally in need, even if the omega's presence was unexpected. The leader growled softly, signaling the group to follow his lead.

With surprising gentleness for his size, the leader lowered himself to the ground beside Annie's unconscious form. He nudged her onto his back, her limp body resting against his thick fur. Once she was secure, he rose slowly, ensuring she wouldn't fall off. His fur, warm and strong, cradled her as he stood tall, ready to head back to Windhallow's territory.

The others fell into step behind him, their forms weaving through the trees as they made their way back toward the safety of their pack. The rain had lightened, and the forest around them was quiet save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Annie, still unconscious, was unaware of the warriors that now protected her. Her last thoughts before blacking out had been of Ms. Ginny, of the chaos she had left behind, and of the unknown future awaiting her. Now, in the care of Windhallow's warriors, she was being carried toward a new fate—one that would be decided by the Alpha.

Annie remained unconscious, her body still limp from exhaustion as Killian, the Beta of the Windhallow pack and leader of the warriors, carried her through the dimly lit halls of the pack's stronghold. The scent of wet earth and pine filled the air, the soft patter of rain echoing through the stone corridors. His strong arms cradled her easily, her small form barely a burden to his tall, muscular frame.

Killian was a man in his late twenties, handsome, with pale skin and a buzz cut, his jaw covered in light stubble. His eyes, sharp and calculating, glanced down at the unconscious omega in his arms as he walked. Though she was fragile, she had endured more than many could ever imagine.

Reaching the main chamber, Killian entered and approached the Alpha of Windhallow, Alaric. Alaric was a seasoned leader, an imposing figure in his mid-thirties, with dark hair streaked with gray at the temples and a calm, authoritative presence that radiated throughout the room. He stood near the large wooden table, his sharp gaze lifting as Killian approached.

"We found her on the fringes of our land," Killian said, his deep voice steady as he laid Annie gently on a bench before stepping back, his posture straight and respectful. His dark eyes narrowed as they rested on her. "She's an omega from the Blackridge pack."

Alaric's brow furrowed slightly as his gaze moved from Killian to the unconscious girl. "Blackridge?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with concern. "What happened?"

Killian's jaw clenched as he delivered the grim news. "She's the only survivor from that pack, sir. The others were massacred, including their Alpha. The Luna was killed while they fled."

Silence filled the room for a moment as Alaric absorbed the weight of Killian's words. Blackridge had been a valuable ally, and hearing of their destruction was a heavy blow. His gaze lingered on Annie, the last living connection to the pack that had once stood alongside them.

Alaric nodded slowly, his expression hardening with resolve. "She's an ally," he said quietly, his eyes still on Annie. "Despite being an omega, we'll keep her and take care of her like one of our own. She's the only blood left connected to Blackridge." His tone left no room for argument, his decision final. "Let the others know. She's under our protection now."

Killian dipped his head in acknowledgment, respecting his Alpha's decision. "Understood."

"Take her to the omega quarters," Alaric continued, his voice calm but firm. "Tell them to prepare a warm bath and give her food. Once she's recovered, we'll speak with her. There's much we need to learn."

Without hesitation, Killian stepped forward once more and lifted Annie into his arms. He held her carefully, his expression softening slightly as he adjusted her against his chest. Though she was unconscious, there was a fragility to her that stirred something protective in him.

He nodded to Alaric before turning and carrying her out of the chamber, his long strides taking them through the winding corridors toward the omega quarters. The fortress was warm, the hearths burning steadily despite the cold rain outside. As they walked, Killian's mind was already racing with thoughts of the lone wolf attacks, of the dangers that now loomed over Windhallow as well. But for now, his focus remained on ensuring this girl's safety.

Once he reached the omega quarters, Killian laid Annie gently onto a soft bed, her body sinking into the warmth of the blankets. The attending omegas had already begun preparing a bath, steam rising gently from the tub, and the scent of freshly baked bread and warm broth filled the room.

Turning to the omegas, Killian's voice was low but commanding. "Take care of her. Make sure she eats when she wakes. I'll come back later to check on her."

The omegas nodded quickly, moving to tend to Annie. Killian took one last glance at the girl before turning and leaving the room, his mind already preparing for the inevitable conversation that awaited them once she woke. The lone wolves had struck hard, and the war that had once seemed distant was now at their doorstep.