Chapter 133
Ellie's POV
I took the box with shaking hands. It was heavier than I expected, substantial. I opened it slowly, and—
Oh.
A crystal wolf, maybe eight inches tall, sat nestled in black satin. It was captured mid-howl, head thrown back, every line of its body radiating power and grace. But it was the detail that stole my breath: the individual strands of fur etched into the crystal, the way the firelight caught in its depths and made it seem alive, breathing.
And its eyes—the eyes were pale amber crystal, the exact color mine turned on the full moon.
"Jackson," I whispered.
"Look at the base," he said softly.
I turned it over with trembling fingers. Engraved in elegant script: To the strongest soul I know. — J.W.
"I've seen a lot of beautiful things," Jackson said, his voice low enough that only I could hear through the blood rushing in my ears. "But nothing compares to you being completely yourself. This wolf... she reminds me of you in the moonlight. Free. Powerful. Perfect."
The tears came then, hot and fast. I carefully set the crystal wolf back in its box and threw myself into Jackson's arms, burying my face in his shoulder. His arms came around me immediately, solid and sure.
"You don't have to hide," he murmured against my hair. "Not from me. Never from me."
"I love you," I choked out. "God, Jackson, I love you so much."
"I know, baby. I know." His lips brushed my temple. "I love you too. All of you."
When I finally pulled back, wiping my eyes, I saw Mom dabbing at her own tears while Dad looked suspiciously misty himself.
"That's quite a gift," Dad said gruffly.
"She deserves it," Jackson replied simply.
I fumbled under the tree for my present to him—suddenly it felt inadequate compared to what he'd given me, but it was too late now. I handed him the flat rectangular package.
He opened it carefully, revealing the leather-bound photo album I'd spent weeks putting together. The cover read "Our Moments" in gold lettering.
From the moment he'd agreed to come for Christmas, I'd been on a mission. I'd scoured through my phone, begged my roommates for any candid shots they'd taken, dug through digital folders I'd forgotten existed. I'd even downloaded the professional photos from the Martinez project's online press coverage—the ones where we stood together, looking like we belonged side by side.
Jackson's hands stilled as he opened the first page. Photos from our semester: us at Pine Trail, him focused during dance rehearsal, our Halloween costumes, selfies at Blue Water Lake. I'd even included some candid shots Lily had taken without our knowledge—Jackson looking at me during a meeting, both of us laughing at something stupid Ryan said.
The last page had a blank photo slot with text underneath: For all the memories yet to come.
"Ellie." His voice was rough with emotion. "This is—it's perfect."
"I wanted you to remember," I said quietly. "That you belong somewhere. With me. With us."
He pulled me close again, and I felt the shape of his heart beating against mine, steady and sure.
"How about that family photo?" Mom suggested, her voice suspiciously thick. "I think we need to commemorate this moment."
Dad was already setting up the camera on its tripod, fiddling with the timer settings. We arranged ourselves in front of the tree—Jackson and me in the middle, Mom and Dad flanking us.
"Everyone smile on three," Dad said, rushing to take his place. "One... two..."
The shutter clicked.
In that moment, with Jackson's arm around my waist and my parents' love surrounding us like armor, I felt something shift inside me. The fear was still there—Caleb, the threat, the uncertainty of what came next. But underneath it all was something stronger: hope.
"Bedtime," Mom said eventually, stifling a yawn. "Your father makes terrible pancakes when he's tired."
"My pancakes are legendary," Dad protested, but he was already heading for the stairs.
Jackson and I walked together to my bedroom door, the crystal wolf clutched carefully in my hands.
"Thank you," I whispered. "For seeing me. For not being afraid."
"Thank you," he replied, "for letting me in. For giving me something worth protecting."
He kissed me softly, his hand cupping my face. Through our bond, I felt his love, his determination, his absolute certainty that we would face whatever came together.
I set the crystal wolf on my nightstand, where the Christmas lights from outside made it glow like captured moonlight. Jackson was already settling onto the makeshift bed on the floor, arranging the pillows Mom had given him.
"Jackson?" I said quietly, watching him from my bed.
"Hmm?"
"I feel safe with you here. Like... really safe."
He propped himself up on one elbow, looking at me in the dim light. "Good. That's how it should be."
"Not just the physical safety kind of safe," I added, pulling the blanket up to my chin.
His eyebrows rose slightly. "What other kind is there?"
I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks heat even in the darkness. "You know... the kind where I don't have to worry about someone trying to... take advantage. The 'my virginity is secure' kind of safe."
There was a beat of silence. Then Jackson's low chuckle filled the room.
"Yeah, about that," he said, his voice warm with amusement. "Maybe don't get too comfortable with that assumption."
I burst out laughing, pressing my face into my pillow to muffle the sound.