Love in the Chaos

Chapter 25

Aaron paced outside Rune’s hospital room, the rage from his battle with Kael still simmering beneath his calm exterior. The image of Rune lying unconscious, bruised and vulnerable, was burned into his mind. He was determined now—Rune’s safety would come before anything else, and if it meant severing ties with Rune’s family, he wouldn’t hesitate.

Finally, the doctor emerged, nodding to him. “He’s waking up. You can go in now.”

Aaron hurried inside to see Rune stirring, his eyes fluttering open. Aaron sat beside him, reaching for his hand gently.

“Bambi,” Aaron whispered, his voice breaking the silence. Rune’s eyes focused on him, a weak smile forming as he squeezed Aaron’s hand.

“Aaron…” Rune’s voice was hoarse, but his smile was genuine, though shadowed by exhaustion and pain.

Aaron’s heart ached, seeing Rune like this. “I’m here, Bambi. I’m not going anywhere.” He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Rune’s forehead. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to protect you.”

Rune shook his head slightly. “It’s not your fault. I just… thought maybe my family wanted to accept us.”

Aaron’s jaw tightened, his anger reigniting. “We’re going to see them, Rune. I have a few things I need to say to them myself. Then, I’m taking you back to England—away from this place, away from them.”

Rune hesitated, but he nodded. He knew Aaron wouldn’t back down now, and a part of him felt relief. Maybe it was time to leave it all behind.

---

A few hours later, Aaron guided Rune to his family’s home. They walked in, and the atmosphere turned tense as Rune’s family turned to see them. Shyla’s gaze flickered with frustration, and Rune’s grandfather’s face turned cold.

Aaron wasted no time. “Do you see what you’ve done?” His voice was sharp, cutting through the silence. “I trusted you to respect Rune’s choices, but you pushed him to the point of nearly losing him. All because you couldn’t accept him for who he loves.”

Shyla stepped forward, her eyes filled with defiance. “He belongs here, Aaron. With his mate—with his family.”

“Family?” Aaron’s voice dropped to a deadly tone. “You nearly destroyed him. If you cared about him, you’d have seen how happy he was with me. Instead, you forced him to choose.”

Rune looked at his family, hurt clear in his eyes. “I thought… you’d try to understand. Shyla, you were my best friend. I never expected this from you.”

Shyla’s face twisted, and she couldn’t hold back anymore. “You’re a fool, Rune! You think that vampire loves you? He’s nothing but a distraction—a phase. You’re supposed to be with your mate, not… him.”

Aaron stepped protectively in front of Rune, his voice cold and commanding. “You will never dictate Rune’s choices again. I won’t let you.”

Rune’s grandmother looked down, a flicker of regret in her eyes, but she said nothing. His grandfather’s face hardened, refusing to relent.

Seeing their cold stares and hearing Shyla’s venomous words was the final straw for Rune. He looked at them all, heartbroken but resolute. “I thought family was supposed to make you feel safe. But I feel more like myself with Aaron than I ever did here. I choose him.”

Without another word, Aaron took Rune’s hand, leading him out of the house. As they stepped outside, Aaron wrapped an arm around Rune’s shoulders, pulling him close.

“I’m taking you home, Bambi,” he murmured softly. “Back to England, where you’ll be safe and loved.”

Rune looked up at him, a small, relieved smile on his face. “Home… with you. That’s all I need.”

And with that, they left, leaving Rune’s past behind, ready to start a new life together where they could finally be free.