I'm here with you

I'm here with you

Solan's POV

“You know, I heard a lot about my brother's heir being extra strong, like some demigod. Didn't believe it until now.” Leo says, a slight frown of disbelief on his face, his eyes watching me closely as I limp out of the bathroom.

I keep my eyes on him, not quite catching what he means.

“How are you walking already? Your wolf must be really strong.” He continues, striding up to me before handing over a fresh shirt and pants.

“Thank you,” I mutter, despite my weariness. I mean, I don't trust him but he's kept me healthy throughout yesterday, frequently cleaning me up, checking up on me at night — yes, he still says the stupidest things but he's not a monster… not really.
Leo smirks, “That's a first.”

With his arms folded across his chest, he steps back, his eyes still fixed on me.
“You heal fast,” he says walking over to the table that now has a hot bowl of beef soup. “Faster than most I’ve ever seen. Even for someone with an… alpha blood.”

I quickly change, relaxing when he turns away, giving me enough privacy. Glancing at my arm, I realize he's right. The deep gash I had on my left arm is already completely sealed into a thin scar.
The bruises on my ribs are fading, there's barely any sign I was bruised… just a dull ache left.

I shouldn’t be able to move this easily after what I went through. But right now I feel less than half the pain I felt yesterday.

“Guess the goddess just really favors me.” I whisper, coughing since my throat is still a little sore.

But that's not the reason and I know. It's because I'm a white wolf. One that was born by an alpha. I have both the strength of my mother and father… a strength that sometimes I wish I never had.

“It's not a big deal.” I add.

Leo shakes his head as I sit down opposite him. “A strength like this makes you dangerous. People like you are never safe… The world either gives you a crown or digs a grave for you.”

I clench my jaw, turning my gaze to the meal before me. With my appetite now gone, I glare at him. “You speak like you know everything.”

“Maybe I do. I know enough to know you are not safe at all.” He says flatly.

I sit up straighter, ignoring the way my ribs protest.

“I’ll be leaving today.” I say firmly, expecting him to object but he says nothing, only shrugs and gestures to the bowl of soup on the table.

“Right after your meal.” He says, holding my gaze.
I shake my head, forcing myself up. “I may be wounded but I'm not stupid. I can smell what you put in it.”

Leo sighs, muttering under his breath before walking past me and locking the door.

My hands curl into fists beside me, my heart beating faster. “So you are going to stop me?” I grit out.

He nods nonchalantly. “Yes… I have to at least try.”

I raise my fists, wincing at the effort it takes but Leo's eyes widen as he bounces back, his hands in the air.
“I didn't mean to stop you with a fight. We can talk this out. Goddess, chill son.” he rushes out.

“I'm not your son.” I grit out, dropping my hands.
“Yes, yes, whatever. Listen, I've cared for you, fed you, clothed you…”
I frown at his shirt and pants that I'm currently wearing. I could take it off but mine is ruined with scratches and blood stains.

“What exactly are you driving at?”
“Saviour will find me. One way or another. And when he doesn't find you here… he won't hesitate to kill me. You can't leave… he'll come for you. It's safer that way. If all you needed to survive was strength, a lot of people wouldn't be dead right now.”

My knees wobble and I stumble, supporting myself against the wall, proving that even without his reasonable explanation, I still won't be able to make it far.

No, I don't want to spend another day here. I highly doubt Leo plans to hurt me but I can't trust him. If I hadn't perceived the sleeping pill he slipped in my soup, I'd be asleep… vulnerable.

I can't afford to let my guard down. Every minute I'm away from home, is one more minute of fear and worry for my family.

“Send them a letter. Let them know I'm here.” I say, frowning when Leo sighs.

“I can't. That's too risky.” He says.
“What's risky about that?” My voice twists into a groan when my ribs start burning.

“Solan, I know you don't trust me. But I won't hurt you. Please sit, let me get you something to eat.”
“No,” I grunt, allowing him help me to the bed. It's like all the strength I woke up with is evaporating… fast. “I don't want to sleep.” I hiss, managing another glare before my face pulls into a pained expression.

“I know, but you need to. It helps you…”
“I said no,” I growl, feeling fury burn through my veins.
Leo backs up. “Relax, no need to bare your fangs at me.” He mutters.

My eyes widen in shock, my shaking hand reaching up to feel. I gasp when I see the protruded claws on my fingers.
My gaze shifts to Leo who looks a little scared.
“I…I'm shifting?” I stutter.
Leo frowns, stepping closer. “You've never shifted before?”
I shake my head, my heart pounding. Oh no, I can't… I can't do this alone.

Please go back, please go back!

“Solan,” Leo calls.
I bite down on my lower lip, holding back the growl I can feel rolling deep in my throat.
“Don't fight it Solan,” Leo touches my shoulder.

“Get out!” I growl, my body trembling with the force of it. But Leo doesn't flinch.
“You can't fight your wolf!” He yells. “You could end up hurting yourself. If you are shifting now then let it happen. I'm here… Solan, I'm here with you.” he whispers, holding my teary gaze.

I let out a cry as my back bends, my growing fangs making it impossible to close my mouth… hindering me from sealing the animalistic sounds within me.

“Breathe in, come on. Stay on your hands and knees here on the floor, it'll make this ten times easier.”

Through my blurry gaze, I do as he says, pushing my feverish body to follow his guide.

“Now relax and let it happen. I'm here with you.”

I want to tell him I don't need him but those words, as unbelievable as it is, ease my panic.

“AHHH!” I scream as a blinding pain strikes through my spine.