Chapter 65 Cain

Chapter 65 Cain
Ava POV
Everything in the kingdom was going well. The markets were busy, the streets were safe and the people seemed genuinely happy. Even though Cain could be cold at times, he treated his people fairly. That was something I couldn’t deny. Watching him from the corners of the courtyard or the edge of the hallways, I could see how deeply he cared for those who depended on him. And he had this way of being just, quietly commanding, yet not cruel.
Ryan had been discharged from the pack hospital a few days ago. He was doing fine now, recovering steadily, and the relief that came with seeing him healthy again made my days lighter. Raven, too, was heavily pregnant now. I could see how much attention she received from the pack, and even though she was often tired, her eyes still held the same spark.
And me… well, I kept seeing Cain every time I moved through the castle. I knew it was no coincidence. He had a way of showing up in the places I least expected, yet it never felt forced. He treated me with a gentleness that startled everyone who knew him. When he spoke to me, his voice was calm, almost soft, and there was patience in his words. It was nothing like the way he addressed his soldiers or even his closest advisers.
That morning, I was walking through the corridors of the castle, my hands lightly resting on my stomach. My own belly was starting to show signs of life, though very subtly. Only a few people could detect early pregnancy, and I was careful enough that no one had noticed yet. The secret gave me a quiet comfort, a private joy I held close.
I had just reached the main hall when I heard Cain’s voice, sharp and furious, echoing down the corridor. My curiosity immediately pulled me toward the sound. He was speaking to one of his men, and the anger in his tone made my heart skip a beat.
“You were supposed to secure the northern border!” Cain’s voice boomed, cold and unyielding. “The rogues crossed through because of your negligence! Do you even take your duty seriously?”
The man before him lowered his head, muttering something about how the attack had been unexpected, how the rogues had been faster than predicted. Cain’s expression didn’t soften. His jaw was tight, his eyes sharp, and I could see the tension in his shoulders.
I stepped closer but the moment I was about to enter the room, I realized how upset he was. I had been cautious, knowing that when Cain was in this mood, no one wanted to be anywhere near him. I started to step back, intending to leave quietly and wait for him to calm down.
“Ava.”
I froze at the sound of my name. His voice wasn’t the booming, angry command from a moment ago. It was low, calm, gentle.
“Cain?” I asked, unsure.
He turned his head slightly toward me, and for the first time that day, the anger in his eyes softened, just for me. “Ava,” he said gently, almost tenderly. “Come.”
I blinked, surprised. My footsteps faltered and I found myself standing in place, staring at him. Everyone else in the room froze too. The men who had been nervously waiting for Cain’s next word looked on in disbelief. They had never seen him speak to anyone with such softness, especially not in the middle of a confrontation.
“I… I was just—” I began, my voice quiet.
“You were just what?” His tone was still gentle, patient, and it made my heart race. “Stay here. I want you to hear me.”
The man before him swallowed hard, clearly uncomfortable with the shift in mood. Cain’s anger hadn’t disappeared, but he had somehow separated it from me, from us. I didn’t understand how he did it, but I felt safe. Somehow, in that moment, the fury that had filled the hall no longer touched me.
I stepped closer, hesitantly, and Cain’s eyes followed me with a softness that I had come to crave. “Everything okay?” I asked quietly.
“Yes,” he said, though his jaw still held tension from earlier. “Everything will be fine. This… this will be handled. I’ll make sure the rogues are stopped.”
I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me. It was strange, seeing this man, who was so powerful and commanding, show such calmness and care just for me. I realized again how rare this was. Cain rarely let anyone see this side of him, and yet here he was, speaking to me as if the world outside didn’t matter at all.
I let my hands rest lightly on my belly, thinking about the life growing inside me. 
Cain’s gaze followed my hands but he didn’t comment. He simply watched me, and the calmness in his eyes made the tension in his body fade slightly. I knew that behind the regal posture, the cold exterior, and the sometimes harsh decisions, he was a man who cared deeply. And for a brief moment, the angry, commanding Cain disappeared, leaving only the gentle protector.
The man Cain had been speaking to had already scurried out of the room, muttering apologies under his breath. Cain didn’t notice. He was focused entirely on me. “How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice low and careful.
I smiled faintly. “I’m… okay. Just busy with the usual. And…” I hesitated for a moment, my lips pressing into a thin line as I tried to find words. “…and taking care of myself.”
He nodded once, understanding, though I could see the curiosity flicker across his face. 
The hallway outside had gone quiet. The few people who had been there, watching, now whispered among themselves, shocked at how soft he had been with me. No one had ever seen this side of Cain and it seemed almost unreal. I could feel the eyes on us, but I ignored them. All that mattered was the man before me, who had, for a moment, let go of his anger and let me in.
“Come,” Cain said finally, stepping back and motioning toward the windowed balcony. “Let’s get some fresh air.”
I followed, feeling the gentle pressure of his presence behind me. The tension of the earlier argument faded as we walked. Outside, the sun was bright and the wind carried the scent of the gardens below. I took a deep breath and let it fill me with calm.
Cain stayed close, his hand brushing slightly against mine as if to reassure me. He didn’t speak much but I didn’t need him to. The simple act of being near him, of feeling his presence so strong and protective was enough.
As we looked out over the kingdom together, I felt a quiet certainty. Everything was going well, yes. The people were safe, the pack was stable and even the rogues would soon learn that Cain’s reach was unmatched.