Chapter 37
Nikolas’s POV.
It had been three days since I broke the news to Amira, and I couldn't help but notice the change in her demeanor. She was more cautious now, pushing herself relentlessly during training until she was on the brink of exhaustion. While I admired her unwavering determination, it also saddened me to see her in such a state. She didn't feel safe, and that bothered me deeply.
I knew Amira like the back of my hand, and I could see the turmoil brewing inside her. She was like a ticking bomb, and those who were after her had a short list of suspects to investigate. I feared that if things ever turned physical, Amira would put herself in harm's way to protect others, driven by her sense of bravery and self-sacrifice. Since she discovered her powers and started training she became the person I loved. My queen was strong, smart, beautiful and just perfectly the right example.
The constant fear of being discovered weighed heavily on her, and it weighed on me too. I couldn't bear the thought of her living in constant apprehension, always looking over her shoulder. It was a burden that was taking its toll on both of us, and I was determined to do everything in my power to keep her safe.
As I arrived home later than usual, consumed with thoughts about Amira's safety, I found her waiting for me in the kitchen, preparing dinner. I joined her immediately, eager to hear about her day. She told me about Mila coming over, and how they had made a strawberry shortcake together. She shared her recent research on healing pastes from decades ago and her plans to plant certain things in the backyard. Her excitement was palpable, but there was also a hint of sadness in her voice as if the cloud of uncertainty surrounding her situation was dimming her joy.
I listened attentively, but my heart ached knowing that the fear of what might happen to her weighed heavily on her. I knew that her parent's tragic death had left a deep scar on her, and she was haunted by the idea that their sacrifice might have been in vain. I knew she had faith in me but there was still some uncertainty about the actual situation.
After a quick shower, I found my way to the study room where I found her holding a journal left by her parents. She read a page from it every night and held the book tightly as if finding solace in their words. It pained me to see her like this, grappling with the ghosts of her past and the uncertainty of her future. I longed to comfort her, to assure her that she was not alone and that I would do everything in my power to keep her safe. But sometimes, words were not enough, and all I could do was be there for her, offering my silent support and understanding as she navigated through her inner struggles.
“Are you coming to bed?” I wondered, knowing she must’ve been tired after her eventful day.
“Yes, soon, Niko,” she smiled briefly, looking up at me.
“Are you ok? Do you need anything?” I asked, rubbing her shoulder as I came to sit down on the couch next to her.
“Are you sure we’ll be fine?” She asked worriedly, closing her journal.
“Of course we will, I promised you that and I am a man of my worth,” I took her hand and brought it to my lips. “Tell me about your parents,” I decided to change the subject. I just now realized I never truly knew much about them, just a few things. I hoped that talking about it would make Amira calm down a little.
“Do you remember them?” She wondered, sitting down on my lap.
“I’ll be honest, all I can remember is your mother’s bright red hair. Your father, all I can remember is how intimidating he was. Those eyes were laser-focused on me,” I recalled, wrapping my arms around her. I couldn’t remember that much because I was too enchanted by their daughter but I can still see the waves of red hair flowing around as the wind passed us and her father, he had always been an intimidating man for me but little Amira or Leia always assured me he was the sweetest. I wasn’t convinced, still not. I’m sure that if he were to be alive, he’d beat my ass.
“Hm, he was like that with every guy, I don’t remember everything it’s like with each passing year the memories fade,” Amira’s lips turned into a pout as she told me.
“That’s fine, just tell me what you feel comfortable sharing,” I rubbed her back.
Amira thought for a moment, a smile slowly forming on her lips. “I can remember sitting on the porch with my babysitter, she’s vague in my memory but from time to time she’d look after me and every day at 5 pm we’d sit out there and I’d see my parents' car pull up in the driveway. My dad always brought me flowers or chocolate and my mother would bring me little trinkets and they both kiss and hug me…” Amira told me, with each word her smile growing and growing, swelling my heart with the same happiness that radiated from her. “I can remember making dinner together- well, my father and I would goof around whilst my mom would properly make our dinner,” she explained and I laughed. To this day she’d goof around rather than help in the kitchen, but I didn’t mind it.
“Seems like you remember more than enough, you captured them just perfectly,” I ran my fingers through her hair and leaned over to kiss her cheek/
“Thank you… It’s so sad, before they died they did everything they could to protect me, they only asked me to be happy and do something great, but now?” She played with my hand, fidgeting.
“Hey, hey, don’t talk like that,” I cupped her face and forced her to look at me. “Amira, I’m going to make sure your parents' wishes come true. Their daughter will be the happiest queen alive and fulfil the great task as pack healer,” I promised and would make sure to uphold my end of the deal.
“Niko,” Amira sighed and looked away.
I gripped her chin and made her look at me, “I’m serious Amira, I don’t care what ends I have to go to but I will make sure you reach your goals.”
“What do we do now then?”
“I won’t give them a chance to surprise us, I will start forming little groups in secret, when the time comes for whatever it may be, we will be prepared for the worst,” I explained. I played around with the idea of too much of possible what-ifs. I had to get ahead of this before it would become unmanageable.
“How will we be one step ahead of them?” She then wondered and I knew I had to tell her something we’d both disagree.
“We start forming our allies, I think we start with Ronan and Caine, I think we have their undying loyalty and they are our friends… We’d also have to ask my parents for more information,” I answered, watching as her facial expression dropped.
“So we’ll tell them the truth? Our friends I mean,” Amira wondered.
“I’m afraid so, but if you don’t want that then I’ll think of something else,” I offered. I wouldn’t want to stress her out right now.
“No… I think we should tell them, it won’t do us or them good if they’re kept in the dark,” Amira shrugged. “As for your parents, it’s about time they become useful to us,” Amira mumbled.
“I like your thinking, my queen,” I laughed and pulled her in for a kiss. The kiss lacked passion; I could tell her mind was elsewhere. “I can tell you’re worried and you have every right to be. This might start a war but I know that I won’t let things get out of hand. Your safety is my main focus and always will be, understood?” I took her hand in my and brought it to my lips. “You will be included in everything starting from the beginning to the end, okay my queen?”
“Promise?” She held her pinky out to me.
“Promise, sweetheart,” With a tender smile, I linked my pinky with Amira's, sealing our promise. In that fleeting moment, I saw a glimmer of hope and trust in her eyes, something I had been yearning for all along. Her trust in me meant everything.
Amira had been through so much, and earning her trust was not easy. But I was determined to protect her, to be the one she could rely on in this uncertain situation. I knew that gaining her trust was a precious gift, and I would do whatever it took to keep it.