five keys to safety|jonah marais

Chapter 9:

9:Jonah's POV

After a little while, Archer walked down the steps to the boys and me watching tv. We all looked up and exchanged smiles.
Archer headed to the couch and sat between Jack and Corbyn. I'm trying so hard. I fight my inner wolf, clenching my fists. Without meaning to, I let out a muffled growl, barely audible to Archer. The boys glare at me.
Mind Message:
Daniel: JONAH!
Jonah: I'm sorry
I let out a soft whimper. While Archer's eyes are fixated on the tv, I study her face. Her eyelids grow heavy and slowly close. Archer fell asleep.
It is around ten when I hear the pitter patter of small feet and here comes a sleepy Damian rubbing his eyes and holding his 'blanky'
"Hey, bud! What are you doing up?" I whisper.
"I can't sleep, I want Archer." He whines letting out a sniffle.
"Awe, bud. She's asleep, wanna come lay with me?" I say soothingly and he nods, climbing onto my lap. He collapses on my chest, clutching my shirt. I drape his blanket over him and rub his back and he slowly drifts off to sleep.
After another hour of tv, I decide I need to head upstairs and take Damian. I remember Archer, she is passed out on the couch. I see Jack lean towards her in a motion to pick her up. I let out a low growl and he freezes, turning to me quickly. Jack puts his hands up in surrender and backs away slowly. I take Damian upstairs and then return for Archer. I lift her from the couch and carry her to her room. I decide to stay with Damian tonight. I head to bed, letting the darkness consume me.
The next morning, I hear a frazzled Archer yelling.
"Where's Damian!" Concern dripping from her voice.
"With me." I say, barely loud enough so I don't wake the sleeping boy on my chest. I look down at Damian where he lies in deep slumber, still clutching my shirt. So precious.
The door opens, revealing Archer with hair in a messy bun and in a big sweatshirt with shorts.
"Awe." she coos walking towards me and Damian. I am still laying down so she kneels down by the bed so she is at eye level. She rests her head on her hand which is against the mattress.
"Sooooo how'd this happen?" She drew the words out cheekily and I chuckle.
"You fell asleep last night and he came downstairs. He said he couldn't sleep...honestly, I was probably just lonely." She giggles, cutely. Ahhhh she can't just do that. I struggle to force back my frown because I know my wolf might take over.
"Probably." She says quietly.
"You're great with kids." She says smiling.
"You should see yourself, you're gonna be a great mom one day." I say causing her to blush.
"Thanks." she said quietly. She seems so frail now, unlike when we met her. She's still tough though and I know it.