His Delicate Love

30

Alaric stepped out of the nursery cabin, noticing Killian sitting alone on one of the porch chairs, his gaze fixed on the distant trees. A subtle weariness clung to his usually strong demeanor, his posture tense as he ran a hand through his hair, now growing in after keeping it a buzz cut for so long.

Alaric joined him, leaning casually against the porch railing, casting a sidelong glance at Killian. "Needed fresh air?" he asked with a faint smile, a touch of lightness in his tone.

Killian grunted, his jaw clenched as he let out a slow exhale. "Something like that," he muttered, fingers tapping rhythmically on the arm of his chair. The beautiful colors of the sunset painted the thick trees beyond, casting the land in a warm glow—a sharp contrast to the morning's violent chaos.

Alaric sighed, his gaze sweeping over the view. "Today was heavy," he murmured. "I'm thinking of gathering everyone tomorrow, speaking to the pack about what happened this morning."

Killian nodded slowly, meeting Alaric's eyes with a look of agreement. "That's good. Better for them to hear it from you. The last thing we need is fear or rumors spreading." His voice softened, the gravity of the day still evident in his tone. "Let everyone rest tonight."

"Yeah," Alaric agreed, taking a deep breath as he shifted his gaze back to the sunset. After a moment of shared silence, Killian's voice broke through, more subdued than usual.

"How are my warriors?" he asked, his eyes carrying both pride and a flicker of sorrow as he looked to his Alpha.

Alaric's face softened. "They fought well, Killian. We lost a few brave souls, but we're still strong in numbers." He paused, a deep respect coloring his voice. "We'll hold a gathering soon. Pay our respects to the ones who fell today."

Killian nodded, his expression somber. "They deserve it." He clenched his fist briefly, then relaxed, the weight of loss settling deep within him. "They gave everything."

Alaric placed a hand on Killian's shoulder, a reassuring presence amidst the day's grief. "And so did you," he said quietly. "Take tonight for what it is, Killian. Tomorrow, we'll face the pack together."

Killian looked up at Alaric, a flicker of gratitude crossing his face. "Thank you, Alaric." He let out a slow breath, the tension in his shoulders easing as he allowed himself a rare moment of peace, the warmth of the sunset wrapping around them like a balm.

————-

The week passed slowly, each day holding a quiet gravity as the Windhallow pack mourned its fallen and began to heal. Alaric and Killian led the pack in a gathering to honor the warriors who had given their lives in the battle, standing beneath the towering trees where the somber tones of remembrance filled the air. Alaric addressed everyone, recounting the events of that fateful day, emphasizing the resilience of their pack, and assuring them that they would strengthen their borders and bolster their security. The pack members listened in silence, nodding in solemn agreement, the wounds of loss still fresh but tempered by the resolve to carry on.

Annie, though still fragile, had made significant progress. The bruises and scratches left on her skin were beginning to fade, and she was able to move more freely, her voice returning to a steady tone. Despite her efforts to regain her strength, her golden skin remained paler than usual, and her body was still frail. Yet, each day brought a bit more life back to her, her resilience shining through as she worked to put the harrowing events behind her.

Killian stayed by her side every step of the way, his attentiveness unwavering. He ensured she ate well, slept soundly, and that she felt his presence through soft kisses and reassuring embraces whenever her thoughts grew dark. At times, he'd catch her staring off into the distance, and he would draw her back with a gentle squeeze of her hand or by resting his forehead against hers, grounding her in the present.

Riley, too, remained in the nursery. The bite he'd received had taken a toll on his body, leaving him bedridden as he fought to recover. Will and Alaric made it a point to visit him throughout the week, checking in on his progress and offering quiet encouragement. Riley's journey toward healing was slow, both physically and mentally. When Alaric spoke with him, he could sense Riley's remorse—an unspoken weight that lingered heavily in his gaze.

On the seventh day, as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the pack's lands, Killian and Annie sat together on the cabin's porch, watching the sky shift through shades of orange and pink. Annie leaned her head against Killian's shoulder, a quiet strength settling over her.

Killian's arm tightened protectively around Annie as he listened, his fingers brushing gently over her shoulder. Her head rested on his shoulder, her breathing soft and even in the quiet evening air.

"I feel lighter..." Annie's voice was barely a whisper, her words tentative.

Killian leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "Lighter, like... mentally?" he asked cautiously, his voice laced with both hope and concern.

Annie nodded, lifting her head to meet his gaze. "Yeah... a little bit. It's not as bad as it was."

He let out a quiet sigh of relief, but his expression grew more serious as he spoke. "You still scream in your sleep, Annie." His voice was soft, laced with a deep sadness and worry he couldn't quite hide.

Annie shifted slightly, pulling her knees up to her chest. "I know... I can't shake it. When I close my eyes, it feels like I'm still there, but I know I'm not." She let out a shaky breath, staring out at the trees. "It's like I'm trapped, replaying those moments, even though I know you're right here."

Killian placed a hand on her cheek, guiding her face back to his. "You're safe now, Annie," he said firmly, his gaze steady and unwavering. "I'm right here, and I'll be here every time you wake up from those dreams. You're never alone, and you don't have to face any of this alone."

Annie nodded, a small, grateful smile touching her lips. "I know. It's just... hard sometimes." Her voice broke slightly, the weight of it all lingering in her eyes.

Killian leaned his forehead against hers, grounding her in that moment. "Then we'll get through it, one day at a time," he murmured, his thumb tracing soothing circles along her arm. "And whenever it gets heavy again, lean on me. Let me carry it with you."

Annie closed her eyes, breathing him in, allowing his presence to steady her. "Thank you," she whispered. "I'll try."

Killian wrapped both arms around her, holding her close as they sat in the peaceful quiet.

Soon, Killian gently cupped Annie's face, his eyes holding a depth of emotion that made her heart race. As he leaned in, their lips met in a passionate kiss, one that conveyed everything words couldn't capture. Annie melted into him, her fingers curling around his shirt as if anchoring herself to this moment.

When they pulled apart, Killian's hand trembled slightly as he brushed a stray tear from her cheek. "Annie," he began softly, his voice thick with emotion, "I don't ever want to lose you again." His hands lingered on hers for a brief moment, then he stepped back, sinking down onto one knee.

Annie's breath caught in her chest, her hands flying to her mouth in disbelief as he pulled out a delicate gold ring, the diamond catching the warm glow of the setting sun. The world seemed to fade as his words filled the air.

"Will you be mine, forever?" Killian asked, his own voice breaking as he held her gaze, hope and love spilling over in his eyes.

Annie's heart swelled, and a flood of happy tears streamed down her cheeks as she nodded frantically, a shaky laugh escaping her. "Yes! Yes, a thousand times, yes!" she whispered, her voice trembling with excitement as she repeated it over and over.

Killian slipped the ring onto her finger, his own tears mirroring hers. Then, with a grin, he stood, sweeping her up into his arms, holding her as if she was his entire world. The trees around them, bathed in the light of a golden sunset, seemed to hold their joy, a silent witness to the beginning of their forever.