Chapter 10 Who she is
River
I sit in my office, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders as I stare at the scattered papers on the desk. My beta, Kellan, leans against the wall, his arms crossed, while two of my most trusted warriors… Aiden and Marcus… fidget in their seats. The air is thick with tension, the kind that comes when something precious has been threatened, and we’re all scrambling to restore order.
“Two days have passed, and we still don’t have a lead,” Kellan grumbles, his frustration palpable. “This wasn’t just a random attack, River. Whoever did this knew what they were doing. They were trying to kill her.”
Aiden nods, his jaw clenched. “We’ve canvassed the area, talked to every pack member who might have seen something, but nothing. It’s like they just vanished into thin air.”
“Or they’re still watching,” I mutter, leaning back in my chair, trying to suppress the anger bubbling inside me. “We need to be vigilant. Dust can’t be alone for a second.”
Marcus clears his throat, his brow furrowing in thought. “What if it’s someone from outside the pack? A rogue or…”
“Stop right there,” I interrupt, my voice low and dangerous. “We’re not going to incite panic with theories. We’ll keep the borders secured and watch for any signs of trouble, but I won’t have rumors flying around about our own. Dust needs to feel safe here, not like she’s hiding in a fortress.”
Kellan’s gaze softens as he looks at me. “You care about her, don’t you?”
I don’t hesitate. “I’d die for her.” The words hang in the air, heavy and true. Dust is my mate; she’s a part of me, and I’ll protect her with everything I have.
The warriors exchange glances, and I can see they’re starting to understand the depth of my commitment. “Keep searching,” I order, my voice firm. “And if you find anything… anything at all… report back to me immediately.”
They all nod, and as they rise to leave, I feel a flicker of hope mixed with dread. I need to see Dust. I need to make sure she’s okay.
I stride down the hall to my rooms, the familiar scent of her presence wrapping around me like a warm embrace. Two days have passed since the attack, and though she’s physically healing, I can’t shake the feeling that shadows linger in her mind. The door swings open, and I find her sitting up in bed, a book resting on her lap.
“Dust,” I say softly, stepping inside, my heart swelling at the sight of her. The pallor that had haunted her face is gone, replaced by a hint of color and a spark of defiance in her eyes. “How are you feeling?”
She looks up, a small smile breaking through the remnants of fear. “Better, I think. I’ve been reading… trying to keep my mind off things.”
“Good. That’s good.” I approach, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I was just in a meeting, trying to figure out who attacked you. I wish I could say we have leads, but…”
She shakes her head, her gaze piercing through the lingering darkness. “It’s okay, River. You don’t have to protect me from the truth. I know how dangerous this is.”
My heart aches at her bravery, but I can’t let her shoulder this burden alone. “You’re not alone in this, Dust. We’ll find them. I won’t rest until we do.”
Her expression softens, and I reach out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You know,” I add, trying to lighten the mood, “maybe we should give you a new name, something stronger. ‘Dust’ feels so… fragile and wrong.”
“Dust is who I am,” she replies, a spark of defiance igniting in her eyes. “I’ve always been Dust. It would feel weird to be called anything else.”
I chuckle softly, my heart lifting. “Alright, Dust it is. But you should know, I’m still going to protect you like a lioness with her cub.”
She laughs, the sound bright and infectious. “I can appreciate that. Just… don’t get too carried away.”
I lean in closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. “I won’t let anyone hurt you again, I promise. You mean too much to me.”
For a moment, we lock eyes, and I can see the depth of our connection reflected back at me. It’s more than just protection; it’s a bond forged in fire, and I know it’s unbreakable.
“I believe you,” she finally says, her voice steady. “And I’ll do my part to stay strong, too.”
“Good.” I stand, the weight of my role as her protector settling comfortably on my shoulders. “Now, how about we get some fresh air? You could use a change of scenery.”
She nods, her smile growing wider. “I’d like that.”
As I help her out of bed, I feel the shadows of the past begin to lift, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. I won’t rest until the threat is gone for good. Dust deserves to feel safe, and I’ll make sure of it.
.